A 15-YEAR-OLD busker has been silenced after his favourite guitar was stolen in Glasgow.

Just months ago Murdo Mitchell hit the high notes when he was busking in Buchanan Street and was spotted by Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard. He was then asked to play to a packed audience at the Old Fruitmarket.

Now the teenager is counting the cost after £750 of equipment, including his distinctive red Ozark guitar, a Roland Cube street amplifier, microphone stands and leads, was stolen

The guitar case had Murdo's old band name, Advertise Here, sprayed on the side in paint.

The theft happened on Thursday between 8-11pm near the Halt Bar in Woodlands Road, where Murdo's dad, John, 47, organises stand-up comedy gigs.

Murdo, of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, said: "They took my guitar, which is very distinctive, and all my street kit, so I guess I'm not going to be busking for a while.

"It was the guitar I used when I wrote all my songs. It cost about £450. I have had it for two years since I played at the Edinburgh Festival.

"We are not sure if it is going to be covered by insurance, so if it turns up, I would like people to return it to me."

Dad John added: "The guitar is in all his photos, and on the front of the CD he sells."

Police are investigating the theft.

The Johnstone High pupil has been building a regular following and recently played to a packed audience at Eastwood Park Theatre.

He will begin music studies at Motherwell College in August.

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk