Last Friday, 23 June, Hermitage Academy and Helensburgh Community Council hosted the Helensburgh’s Got Talent competition. It was one of those magical evenings that happen only rarely. Nine Competitors sang, danced and played for over two hours cheered on by an enraptured audience of parents and friends. The evening started with the Academy’s “Poetry Group Hermitage” and ended with a rousing version of the Animals “House of the Rising Sun”. In between we were enchanted by a Celtic Harp, sang along to cover versions from Elvis and Dove Cameron, were amazed at a Sailor’s Hornpipe by a 7 year-old and sat back and enjoyed a wide range of musical entertainment.

Helensburgh’s Got Talent was a competition and there were 3 popular winners. The £100 first prize went to Eilidh Gammons with her virtuoso Highland Dancing which ended with a high leap followed by the full splits. There was a complete hush from the audience amazed at what they had just witnessed. The £75 second prize went to Kezia Conran with her exquisite, blues-themed performance on the Clarsach. And, third prize of £50 went to the 6 member “Poetry Group Hermitage” who, for the first time, were performing as an ensemble.

For Community Council Councillors Tariq Durrani and Nigel Millar “What really enthralled everyone there was every performer, bar one, is still at school. They grasped the opportunity Helensburgh’s Got Talent gave them with both hands and did themselves proud with the excellence of their performances. The town is lucky to have them. But, there are many more young musicians, dancers and other performers artists waiting in the wings eager to showcase their talents before a wider audience. Helensburgh Community Council is committed to giving them the chance to do so. They are worth it and have our continuing support.”