Contin schoolboy (13) will be dancing - and singing - in the dark at iconic Strathpeffer Pavilion to help celebrate a special night
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A TALENTED schoolboy from Contin will perform live on stage with a Scottish chart-topper in Strathpeffer next month.
Singer-songwriter James MacGillivray (13) plays gigs and busks locally with his acoustic guitar, including regular performances for diners at Strathpeffer’s Old Station Restaurant.
Having previously auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent and the Voice UK, the bright lights and big stage will beckon on October 1 at Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion.
Rising star Callum Beattie, of Salamander Street fame, is headlining the show as a celebration and fundraiser for the Strathpeffer Pavilion Community Trust.
James has been invited to be part of the show after an invite from the Strathpeffer Pavilion Community Trust.
The evening will be a delayed celebration of the famous venue coming under community ownership.
The youngster said: “I’m really excited to perform with Callum Beattie because he is a real inspiration to me. I love his music.”
James first showed signs of musical talent at the age of two when he would strum along with his late great-grandad.
Granny Carol Taylor (51), known to the family as The Manager having taken James out busking from the age of eight, said: “When he was only two, his great-grandad Jamesy, who used to be in the Ardross Dance Band, would sit with him playing guitar.
“James had his little toy guitar and would strum along to the beat, with his wee foot tapping away. Even then, he had a good rhythm.”
Mum Miranda (31), who lives at Tor View in Contin with James, daughter Lola (9) and husband James, said her son was staying very calm about his big break.
Mrs MacGillivray, who runs her own salon locally, said: “He’s excited about performing with Callum Beattie, but quite calm and relaxed.
“He has been doing it for such a long time, it comes quite naturally. I’m a bag of nerves already! It will be a very proud moment for us all.”
James wrote and recorded his own song, Can’t Stop Me, for his 13th birthday as a rebuke to bullies who targeted him at Dingwall Academy.
Mrs MacGillivray added: “He went through a lot of bullying and hassle at school, with a bit of jealousy because of his singing.
“He lives for his music and likes literally anything, from Ed Sheeran to Elvis. If you give him a song to listen to, he will have it learned within half an hour.
“He was supposed to play with Tom Walker in February last year, but that fell through as he was too young to attend the venue.
“There was talk of a video call rehearsal with Callum, but we haven’t heard anything more yet. It is very exciting.”
Callum Beattie’s Strathpeffer Pavilion show is scheduled for Friday, October 1. To check ticket availability, see https://tinyurl.com/8d7fms3z
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