A chance to shine at Edinburgh’s Got Talent has struck chord with Ross

The 15-year-old from Sighthill was tied in tenth position with singer Caitlyn Vanbeck after both contestants received exactly the same number of public votes in the talent contest – 1593 each.

As a result, the judges decided to put the top 11 performers – rather than the top ten – through to the glittering final at Edinburgh Playhouse next Friday.

Ross, who plays guitar, sings and writes his own songs, said: “It feels very good to have made the final. I feel like I’ve accomplished something and I’m finally getting somewhere with my music.

“I was quite shocked that it came to a tie after how many votes had come in, but it doesn’t matter how I got to the final – I’m there and I am happy to be where I am.”

Ross, a fourth-year pupil at The Royal High School, submitted a clip of himself singing and playing the guitar to a mix of Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours and his own song Doa.

“I’m going to do something different at the final,” he said. “I’m going to sing a song called Pretty Girl, which I wrote myself, and play the guitar as well.

“I am sure I will be a little bit nervous and apprehensive before it but I’m mainly excited and just want to get up there, have fun and do my best – and see what happens.”

Ross, who has performed in school talent shows as well as at live music bar Whistlebinkies, started playing the guitar in January 2010.

“I kind of taught myself all the chords and then got lessons at school and really enjoyed it, so I’ve just kept it up,” he said.

Ross lives with his mum Angie, dad John, and 18-year-old brother Iain, and is a big fan of Biffy Clyro and guitarist Frank Turner.

“My family and friends are really proud of me,” he said. “They’re supporting me and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

And he hopes the competition will give him a platform to showcase his talents.

“It hopefully can kick-start my career if I’m going to get anywhere,” he said. “I definitely want to make it in the music business.

“Like all 15-year-olds, I want to be a rock star when I leave school but I realise that’s going to be very hard to achieve.

“It would mean a heck of a lot to me if I was to win Edinburgh’s Got Talent. But all I can do is my best and if I don’t make it, I don’t make it.”