A TALENTED young Clyde coast musician has won a prestigious award named after one of Scotland’s most famous singer-songwriters.

Alice Donaldson, 18, was chosen by judges as one of two winners of inaugural music awards in memory of chart-topping Jim Diamond.

His hits included ‘I Won’t Let You Down’, ‘I Should Have Known Better’ and ‘Hi Ho Silver’, the theme song from the TV crime drama Boon.

Glasgow-born Jim died in October last year at the age of 64, and now his wife, Chrissie, and son, Lawrence, have launched the awards.

Alice was selected after performing three songs at an event in Glasgow in front of hundreds of people, and has received £2,500 to be used for studio time with a producer to record two tracks, and also for promotion for touring and/or equipment. 

The Skelmorlie teenager started to play piano at the age of eight, began writing her own songs a few years later and has been performing publicly for some time.

She said: “I’ve always loved music, and even at a young age I would listen to lyrics in songs and imagine the story that was being told.

“I began to write my own at the age of 12, taking experiences that had changed my life or the lives of others and putting that into writing.”

The Jim Diamond Music Award, which is underwritten by The Hunter Foundation and administered by Radio Clyde Cash for Kids, and will award £5,000 each year over the next five years. Jim was a long-term supporter of Cash for Kids.

Lawrence said: “My dad was passionate about music, and helping those less fortunate than himself, so I know he’d be really pleased with the first winners of the award in his name.

“They have shown determination and real musical talent, and are worthy winners. We hope this award helps them develop their talents and their careers.”