Singer/songwriter Alannah Moar wins public vote to represent Edinburgh at New York event

A singer/songwriter from Edinburgh has been chosen in a public vote to represent the city at an international fundraising event in New York.

21-year-old Alannah Moar secured 39% of the votes in a competition to perform at  The Quaich Project’s ‘Celebration of Scottish Culture’, alongside the likes of Alan Cumming and KT Tunstall.

Alannah, who is originally from Orkney but now lives in Dalry, secured the most votes of the six young solo artists who made the public shortlist.

Almost 6,000 votes were cast online in the Scottish Emerging Artist Competition since its launch in early September, and competition was fierce with the runner up finishing only 99 votes (1.7%), behind the winner.

Alannah will now travel to New York to play at the event at the Lincoln Center on the evening of Saturday October 19.

A student at Edinburgh Napier University since 2016, Alannah describes her music as an eclectic mix of folk, rock, pop and blues.

She credits Edinburgh and its music scene (especially Tuesday Jam Nights at the Doghouse bar) for helping her grow as an artist.

She said: “It’s such an honour to win the Emerging Artists competition, especially with such a strong field of fellow musicians. I’m over the moon and can’t wait to share a stage with Alan, KT and the other amazing people at the event.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for me and to The Quaich Project for giving me this opportunity.”

The ‘celebration of Scottish culture’ will be hosted by The Quaich Project North American Ambassador, Alan Cumming OBE, who will be joined on the night by Alannah, singer KT Tunstall, and actress and singer Alexandra Silber.

The audience will also hear from sculptor Andy Scott about why he’s supporting the campaign.

The event follows the Scottish campaign launch of the £25 million project in March this year.

Jules Haston, Director of Development at The Quaich Project, said: “Response to the Emerging Artist competition has been great to see. Thousands of people have engaged with the competition and showed their support to the outstanding emerging musical talent Edinburgh has to offer.

“Edinburgh is a forward-looking city – the competition and The Quaich Project reflect that. It’s not the first public vote that we’ve had – in 2017 the Edinburgh public voted for the design we’re developing and public involvement like this is vital to what the gardens will become.

“Congratulations to Alannah and to all of the shortlisted entrants. We were blown away by the level of talent of our finalists and look forward to continuing to follow each of their budding musical careers.

“Alannah is a brilliant example of the world class talent we have here in Scotland. We can’t wait to take her to New York share her talent with the world.”