A LOCAL music maestro is taking up a teaching course at Scotland's prestigious Royal Conservatoire to inspire a new generation.

Abbie Mckillop from Wemyss Bay has been a keen musician since primary school, singing and playing guitar, piano and trumpet.

The 18-year-old was inspired by her tutors throughout her time at school and is hoping that by pursuing her lifelong ambition of attending the institution, she'll be able to help young musicians in the same way they helped her.

Abbie said: "I've always had a huge interest in music, I love nothing more than having a jam session and coming up with something a bit different.

"I actually went and studied for a bit in Edinburgh Napier last year, but it just wasn't really for me.

"Getting into the Royal Conservatoire has always been a dream of mine, so I am so excited to begin."

As well as being a keen musician, Abbie has a passion for musicals and is a member of the Inverclyde Musical Youth Theatre.

She has been the leading lady in many productions locally, including playing Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, and has also been a chorus member in a production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the King's Theatre in Glasgow.

Abbie told the Tele: "Theatre has always been a hobby so I am sure I'll continue to perform even when I begin university.

"I've also been a member of the Inverclyde Wind Orchestra, so I'm hoping to join some clubs and organisations at the Conservatoire as I really enjoy it."

The talented teen is keen to inspire a new generation of young performers and hopes Inverclyde Council will continue to invest into local music services.

She told the Tele: "I really want to give something back and would love to do my probationary teaching year locally.

"The support and encouragement I've received over the years has been so inspiring and really means a lot.

"I'd hate for young people in Inverclyde to be denied the experience of learning an instrument because of cuts to music services."

*If you would like to listen to Abbie's performances, she has been performing on 'Inverclyde Lock Down Live' during their Teenager Tuesday slot. Visit the Facebook page to tune in.