AN AYRSHIRE duo have used the ‘power of music’ to bring joy to care home residents throughout 2020s lockdown.

Scott Nicol and Debbie Campbell have been playing various care homes across Ayrshire as well as people shielding at home.

Throughout 2020, the Prestwick pair brought their entertainment to those who were stuck inside during the coronavirus pandemic.

Debbie is used to performing as the singer with her Ayrshire band The Splinter and also provides vocals for acoustic outfit The Cactus Wrens and Burness.

Singer songwriter Scott was a regular feature for open mic nights before the pandemic struck.

For Debbie the gigs have showed her the importance of music to lift people’s spirits.

She said: “The power of music is wonderful, we will never forget those gigs we brought music to people when there was none.”

The memorable gigs performing sing along classics with covers of Neil Diamond and Dolly Parton had residents up on their feet with care St Meddans Court in Troon saying it was their “highlight” of lockdown.

Looking ahead to 2021 Debbie and Scott hope the music can return in some form, and are planning to release songs written throughout this year.

Debbie said: “With the current restrictions it feels like music is banned, it’s a bit like Footloose or We Will Rock You it just doesn’t feel right at times.

“But music is so precious we cannot afford to ever lose it, the worlds a very sad place without the sound of music. It is also so important to us as artists, for Scott that is his sole income and his business.”

Debbie also expanded her music talents throughout lockdown by learning the ukulele and is urging others to keep “being creative”.

As tighter lockdown restrictions came into force the duo have been keeping the music alive by playing a host of virtual sets which were streamed to care homes further afield, with a care home in Skye given a festive show via Zoom.

Debbie added: “We are both delighted to have helped the residents and staff with spreading the magic of music. Here’s to a better year next year when live music hopefully can be restored as they say ‘Music is food for the soul’”.