A RISING Wee County blues star is continuing his fundraising efforts into 2023 in a bid to perform his “dream gig” in Mississippi this year.

Iain Donald, know by many as The Gator, is almost at the 20 per cent mark of his £5,000 target, which would see him fly across the pond to perform at the Alice Mae Festival.

Back at the end of October, Iain and partner Fiona “Gaulty” Gault, were joined by the likes of Martin Mullady, Deltamanic and much more as they ran their Gator Aid fundraiser at the Royal Oak in Alloa.

With just over £1,000 raised so far, The Gator is continuing fundraising challenges and events.

Famously quite the carnivore, The Gator has committed himself to a strict vegetarian month for January and is set to go sober for the whole of February.

Speaking of the current challenge, he said: “It's quite hard for me because I've been a butcher all my life, eating meat every day my whole life.”

Before going sober, The Gator's partner Fiona Gault is hosting a ghost walk with Resonate Together at Carsebridge in Alloa.

Anyone curious about the paranormal is being invited along with equipment and refreshments provided.

It is set to be a spooktacular night with Fiona guiding people throughout.

While there is still some way to go with all but six months remaining to make the tally, Iain has already been blown away by the generosity of people who believe in his talent and would like to see the Alloa man flourish.

The Gator said: “I'm quite amazed actually, it's resulted in the release of Dunoon Boat Song as well and in fact, [the music video is] going to be played on American TV.”

The deeply personal song focuses on reconnecting with a past love and meeting his son for the first time – as reported in November.

The Gator added: “The video has done really well and I got in touch with somebody at the Blues Music Television on [Amazon] Fire TV – it's quite an incredible feeling, it's overwhelming.

“Fiona was saying the same, it's unbelievable that you ask and so many people believe in you so much that they don't even hesitate.

“We've still got a long way to go, but we are trying.”

Visit bit.ly/3y8HZWb to support The Gator's fundraiser directly and follow his activities via his Facebook page.

For more on the Ghosts with Gaulty walk, visit the Resonate Together Facebook page.