St Matthew's Academy pupil flies the flag on national stage for North Ayrshire
A talented youngster from a Saltcoats school who celebrated major success on the local stage hit the high notes as she flew the flag for North Ayrshire at a prestigious national competition.
St Matthew's Academy pupil, Stella McIntyre, represented North Ayrshire at the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year Final last weekend.
Stella, who is North Ayrshire's Young Musician of the Year, performed with one of Scotland's oldest musical instruments, the Clarsach.
The national competition was held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she competed alongside young musicians from all over the country.
Stella thanked her teachers, North Ayrshire Music Service, friends, family and fellow local young musicians for their support. The national competition provided her with a fantastic opportunity to shine and showcase the heritage, tradition and modernism of playing one of Scotland's oldest musical instruments.
She said: 'I feel honoured and excited to have performed in this year's Scottish Young Musicians Final. It's been such a great experience to get some exposure. Thanks to everyone for their support."
Ronan Watson, North Ayrshire Music Service Manager, feels Stella now has some exciting times ahead.
He said: "We are incredibly proud of Stella. She has been a wonderful advocate for instrumental music in North Ayrshire with her involvement and support for music performances both in school and with the Music Service.
'An exciting musical pathway now lies before her, and we look forward to watching her journey.'
Congratulations goes to accordionist Inver Shand from Fife who was awarded the overall prize as Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year for 2025.
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, hailed the youngster's achievements.
He said: 'We are incredibly proud of Stella and her fantastic performance at the Final of Scottish Young Musicians.
'Although she didn't come out on top overall, she once again put North Ayrshire on the map and her talent did not go unnoticed. Well done Stella for your stellar performance!'
Stella performed a beautiful programme featuring Mexican Monterey – Savourna Stevenson and An t-Eilean Muileach (The Isla of Mull) – Dougal McPhail arr. Savourna Stevenson. The judging panel and audience enjoyed the mix of styles in her performance which she performed skilfully and with wonderful musical attention.
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