A SONG written in tribute to a firefighter who bravely battled Motor Neurone Disease before he died will be released today.

Hope is in Your Eyes will raise money for the charity MND Scotland and pay tribute to hero Brian MacDonald.

Glasgow Times:

The Govan-based firefighter was in the service for 13 years before he died aged 43 in July.

His close friend David Roddie is behind the track which will raise funds for the charity which helps sufferers of the painful, muscle-wasting disease.

Glasgow Times:

David said: “Brian was such a wonderful guy. He had been a fitness instructor, he coached kids’ football and he loved the fire service, where his dad, uncle, cousin, and brother were also firefighters.

“It was such a tragedy that he was taken by this illness and Hope is in Your Eyes is my attempt to pay tribute to Brian and in my own way help alleviate the plight of other MND sufferers.”

Brian’s brother John-Bruce added: “Brian moved back home to Oban after over 15 years living in Glasgow. I work at the airport here and I was able to arrange a flight with Hebridean Air Services. The day really lifted Brian’s spirits and I am delighted that David has produced a song about that experience.”

Glasgow Times:

David called on the talents of local musicians to lend their support to Hope is in Your Eyes, including BBC radio presenter and accordionist Gary Innes, vocal harmony group The Little Acres, guitarist Conor Smith, bassist Colin Cunningham and drummer Audrey Tait who, with Lauren Gilmour, helped David to mix the track.

He said: “I hope it inspires others to donate or find a way to raise some money to combat this horrible illness."