A TALENTED teenager has been able to follow her dream of a career in music thanks to vital support.

Isla McDonald, 19, was accepted for an HND in Music Performance at the Academy of Music and Sound in Glasgow but found out it was only part-funded by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) and faced losing her place.

But Banks Renewables’ Connect2Renewables initiative, in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council, is covering the shortfall in fees.

Isla, from Coalburn, said: “Having access to the funding has allowed me to attend the college that is best suited for me.

“As someone who has learning difficulties, I find larger classes and locations difficult and my college is the perfect size to allow me to get all the help I need.

“The fund also helps me pay for the travel costs.

"From a young age, I have been obsessed with music. After a careers event at my school where I met some of the guys from the academy, I was determined to take my passion for music to the next level.

I plan to finish my HND course this year and continue on at the Academy of Music and Sound, to achieve my BA and receive my degree in music. I hope by then to be performing full time and making a living from something I love."

The initiative by the Hamilton based employer helps local people into employment through training, advice, and financial support.

Robin Winstanley, external affairs manager, Banks Group, said: “Stories like Isla’s really make us proud of our Connect2Reneweables collaboration with the council.

“It’s important to us that our projects deliver meaningful benefits to local communities in which they are located. We wish Isla the very best in her career and look forward to delivering more benefits through Connect2Rebeweables.”