Young Gourock musician blown away by securing a place at a prestigious music school

Libby Hunter says it is a dream come true to achieve a coveted place at the Music School of Douglas Academy in Milngavie.

The 14-year-old, who plays the French Horn, says this is a major step towards her ambition to become a professional musician.

Libby told the Tele: "I wasn't expecting anything from it so it was great to be accepted."

Libby, who lives with her family in Caledonia Crescent, started playing the tenor horn when she was eight.

The accomplished musician then transferred to the French horn about 18 months ago and has found her forte.

She said: "I started at the The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in September last year and one month later my horn tutor invited me to an open day at Douglas Academy.

"As soon as I went in, I loved it - everyone was so lovely and so welcoming.

"It was quite a long audition process as initially there was an audition where I performed a few pieces then about two weeks later I spent two days at the school to see if I would enjoy the school and I loved it."

Libby will join other gifted young musicians from all over Scotland who will receive world class training alongside their academic studies.

When she is not attending lessons at the school, Libby will be based at purpose-built residential accommodation in Knightswood shared with the Dance School of Scotland.

She said: "It's great because there's music school students, dancers and musical theatre students who are all in the same boat, away from home."

Libby's mum Lynn said she and her husband Stuart are proud of their daughter.

She said: "It's lovely to see how happy she is.

"Libby has always been very focused.

"She can see where she is going to be at 21."

Looking to the future, Libby, who also plays the piano, would like to join an orchestra.

She said: "I love playing in orchestras so I can picture myself doing that my whole life."

Libby recently performed with the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra at the Festival Fringe and at the Beach Ball Room in Aberdeen.

She says her tutor Sue Baxendale has been a huge support.

Libby said: "Sue has helped me so much.

"Within two months I could hear the difference in my playing."

Libby hails from a musical family as her brother Alan, 16, is also in The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, for jazz, trumpet and the piano, while her young sister Connie, eight, has just started playing the baritone.

All three siblings are also members of the local Riverside Youth Band.