A RENFREWSHIRE schoolboy has reached the finals of this year’s Scottish Young Musicians competition.

Yuan Wong, from Castlehead High, in Paisley, was named Best Solo Performer in the Renfrewshire heat by adjudicator Mae Murray last week.

The S5 pupil, who performed ‘My Florence’ on the accordion, was one of 10 young musicians from the local area who took part in the regional contest at St James’ Primary, in Renfrew.

In second place was S6 pupil Josh Esson, from Johnstone High.

Yuan will now take part in the national final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, in Glasgow, on Sunday, May 29, when he will be up against the other regional winners from across the country.

Each finalist will perform on stage on their own or with an accompanist, presenting a musical programme of their choice that must last no more than eight minutes.

They will be judged by adjudicators with an international reputation.

The overall champion will receive a sculpture by renowned artist Alexander Stoddart of the Maid of Morven playing the clarsach and will also get the opportunity to work, play and learn with some world-class musicians, with links to music colleges for future considerations of a career in music.

The new Scotland-wide competition was launched by The Music Education Partnership Group and is the country’s only music contest where funding and expertise is offered to every school and local authority, giving all pupils in the country the chance to take part.

For more details about the contest, visit scottishyoungmusicians.com.