12-year-old solo singer wins local music competition

12-year-old Isla Cooper was crowned the winner of the Maidens of Music competition Credit: Maidens of Music

A 12-year-old girl has won the first ever Maidens of Music competition in Dumfries.

The month-long festival was dedicated to celebrating and promoting female musical talent.

Isla Cooper, who attends Annan Academy, won with just one vote ahead of the double act, Kirsty Hunter and Lauren McDaid, who were also just one vote ahead of acapella quartet, Loka.

Isla won over the crowd with a series of music covers, including songs by multi-award-winning artist, Adele.

Maidens of Music has taken place across Dumfries each Saturday in May and attracting up to 1,000 festival-goers as well as around 150 performers including soloists, bands and choirs.

Each week one act was selected to go on to the competition finals.

The festival was set up by Carol Brotherston and her friends, hoping to encourage and support women who enjoy getting involved with the world of music.