A JOHNSTONE High School pupil will be joining a host of big names at a major music festival later this year.

Zoe Tait, 16, has secured a spot at Party at the Palace, in Linlithgow, where she will rub shoulders with the likes of Texas, James, Cast, Gabrielle and Embrace.

Zoe, who has been playing guitar for just over a year, will be performing her original music in the acoustic tent in the grounds of the historic palace, where Mary, Queen of Scots, was born.

The singer-songwriter, who is in fifth year, says being on the bill for such a prestigious event is a dream come true.

Zoe said: “I am really excited about this as I have always wanted to play at a festival. I have dreams of playing at Glastonbury one day.

“I have been singing since I was a wee girl, but I’ve been playing the guitar for only a year and a half. I haven’t stopped playing since I got it.

“I got a message from one of the organisers who said they had seen my Facebook page and liked my music. I was so happy and it really feels like it’s a step in the right direction.”

Zoe has been going to stage school and singing for a number of years but it was only when she started listening to the music of Jake Bugg that she was inspired to become a singer-songwriter and play the guitar.

She is now known as The Ladybugg, illustrating her love for the star, and this was the name she gave to her self-written debut EP, which she worked tirelessly to promote by playing on radio stations such as Pulse FM, Camglen and Radio Saltire.

As well as getting on the airwaves, Zoe has also performed at the Paisley Food and Drink Festival and in venues across Edinburgh and Glasgow.

She is now working towards a second EP and has achieved all of this while studying hard for five Highers.

She said: “Studying music at school has really helped me improve my confidence.

“I also really enjoy English and this has helped me develop my songwriting.”

Her mother Julie said: “It’s amazing she has this opportunity and it’s a real step up for her to play at a festival.”

Party at the Palace is on August 11 and 12.

To find out more about Zoe and listen to her music, see her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/zoetaittheladybugg or search for Zoe Tait on Spotify or iTunes.