Beth Swan has a lot to look forward to for Christmas

The 13-year-old, a former Eastfield Primary School pupil who now lives on the Isle of Bute but regularly visits her home town, was invited by Antonine Centre manager Karen Blair to perform at the switch on of their Christmas lights after a successful stint busking in the centre.

Beth said: “I was really lucky to get the opportunity to sing at the Antonine Centre last week and really enjoyed the experience. I busked on the Tuesday and Thursday. The staff, shoppers and shop staff were great, it was amazing getting the response I got. Lots of people came over to talk to me and give me words of encouragement and praise. Karen, the centre manager, after hearing me singing asked if I could come and perform on November 15 for the switching on of the Christmas lights, which I am really excited about and can’t wait, it will be awesome.”

Beth also has several other performances lined up. On November 27 she will join Tom Urie, Robert and May Miller, Edward Reid and Colin Scougall at Airdrie Town Hall for a show called “Night of Stars”.

How does Beth combine this with the pressures every teenager faces, like her keeping up with her studies at Rothesay Academy?

“I like school and manage to keep up with my studies and my homework, although I would rather be singing. I am really lucky as the school and community support me with my singing. It is really good at school because all my friends just treat me as me and don’t make a big thing of my singing.

Beth takes her singing seriously as it is something she has loved since she was a toddler. She takes singing lessons with Robert Wishart twice a month, which helps her develop her voice, confidence and self-belief and she hopes to become a professional singer/songwriter.

Beth is also entering Britain’s Got Talent this year after reaching the second stage last year - watch this space.