A Kinross-shire boy is the envy of his friends after passing an advanced Higher in Music, aged just 12-years-old.
Garry Simpson, of Kinnesswood, has been playing the guitar for three years after using online guitar tutorials and practising for hours at home.
The former Portmoak Primary pupil first took an interest in the musical instrument when he was given ‘Guitar Hero’ as a Christmas present. He then began taking lessons with a professional tutor who thought his talent should be rewarded by entering the performance part of the advanced Higher in Music.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) agreed and young Garry took the exam and passed it at Kinross High School, where he will continue his schooling.
His father Garry said: “He plays classical, blues and slide guitar but his heart is in rock.
“Last year at the age of 11, he won the under-18s competition local County Competition Kinross-Shire’s Got Talent, which is part of Kinross-Shire’s Winter Festival. This was headlined by Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue.
“Garry even has a Facebook page and a YouTube channel.”
He continued: “He has played regularly in local music venues with professional musicians, and in June of this year was contacted by a professional AC/DC tribute band, Livewire. They had watched him on his YouTube channel and invited him to jam with them at the opening of their Scottish gig in Ayr Town Hall.
“They then surprised him and invited him up in stage to perform during the concert- all of which is captured on film.
“He is also a keen drummer and is currently operating at SQA Higher level, having only got a drum kit at Christmas.”