The Criterion Bar in Stornoway has donated £1000 to the fundraising efforts of popular young island band Preoccupied.

The teenage musicians recently held a fundraising concert in Laxdale Hall in aid of the services that helped one of their band members, Luc Smith, when he suffered a stroke at the age of 16.

The concert raised money for Scottish Air Ambulance, NHS Western Isles Occupational Therapy and the Monday Stroke Club.

The Crit fundraises throughout the year with the surplus from their weekly bonus ball fund going towards local worthy causes.

Bar manager Elsie Anderson said Preoccupied’s story and initiative had resonated on many levels as a number of staff and customers have family members or friends who have suffered a stroke.

She said: “This is something which has affected us all. Having a stroke can happen to anybody at any time. It just turns your life upside down.”

The concert was a sellout. On the night, Preoccupied were supported by another Stornoway group, Uncle Ethan.

NHS Western Isles revealed the story of Luc’s experience in August, as the band announced their fundraiser later that month.

Luc fell ill on April 5 last year at a friend’s house when the band were rehearsing.

Thankfully, two of his bandmates recognised the signs as they had received emergency first aid training through their jobs as lifeguards. They quickly recognised that Luc needed medical attention and immediately raised the alarm.

Luc was taken to the Emergency Department at Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, before being transferred later that afternoon by air ambulance to the acute stroke unit at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for further treatment.

Following investigations, the consultant determined that his stroke had been caused by a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), a small opening in the heart that had not closed after birth.

In an inspiring display of determination and resilience, Luc was soon back rehearsing with the band and went on to perform at Preoccupied’s first gig at Stramash in August 2025.

In February 2026, underwent successful surgery to repair the PFO at the Golden Jubilee in Glasgow and continues to recover well.

Luc and his family are incredibly grateful for the care, support and encouragement he has received, and continues to receive, throughout his recovery.

The fundraising gig was arranged to give something back and their Laxdale Hall show went down a storm, by all accounts.

Preoccupied also played Stramash a second time, this year, and were a big draw.