Hotel guests treated to Abba performance by Dame Judi Dench and Sharleen Spiteri

Guests at a Scottish hotel were treated to a musical performance by Hollywood star Dame Judi Dench and singer Sharleen Spiteri.

A video, which was posted to Twitter and has amassed over 90,000 views, shows the pair sharing a stool, with Dame Judi playing the piano and singing parts of Abba’s hit Waterloo while Ms Spiteri belts out the song.

The performance took place at The Fife Arms in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, just before midnight fireworks welcomed in 2023.

Twitter users expressed their thoughts on the clip, with one writing: "Two absolute legends".

Whether or not the actress actually played the piano was open to speculation, however.

One Twitter user wrote: “Did no one else notice that this was a self-playing piano? The keys are moving by themselves and Dame Judy is acting wonderfully well! (Sorry to spoil the party atmos)”.

Another said: “Look at the keys, she’s not actually playing.”

Despite this, Ewan Venters, the chief executive officer of Artfarm, which owns The Fife Arms, told BBC Scotland the rendition brought happiness to those present.

“Judi Dench and Sharleen Spiteri were staying at the hotel and we had an impromptu moment at the piano,” he said.

“It was a happy evening with lots of guests and locals clapping.”

Mr Venters later told PA: “(Judi and Sharleen) had met previously but after dinner they met in the lobby and took to the piano. “Guests were somewhat shocked but loved it! “Two legends – a Scottish musician, Sharleen Spiteri – and Dame Judi who although born in the city of York is honorary Scot for not least playing Queen Victoria on so many occasions. “Mrs Brown was back on Royal Deeside!”

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.