GLASGOW singing sensation Amy Macdonald had a real treat for pupils from her old school last night, when she played a special gig just for them. Garage gig is a hit with fans

Hometown girl Amy thrilled her fans last night as she played to a sold out Garage.

The 19-year-old captivated the crowd with her hybrid of indie pop and folk, especially on the likes of new single LA.

Football terrace style chants of the singer's name rang out as the audience lapped up tracks from her No 2 album This Is The Life.

However Amy admitted she was a little over-awed, saying: "It's brilliant to be back in Glasgow. The Garage has been my Saturday night haunt for the past four years.

"But I'm more used to being kicked out of here than being onstage!"

Yet those nerves never affected the gig, particularly on a rousing rendition of Mr Rock N Roll, that saw the whole venue sing along.

A cover of Killers track Mr Brightside was impressive, turning the song into an acoustic lament.

But her fans won't have long to wait before the songstress is back in Glasgow for another gig.

Amy returns on December 14 to play the Barrowlands. Tickets are still available, but on the strength of this gig that won't be for long.

JONATHAN GEDDES

The 20-year-old, who has notched up a No2 album and supported Elton John and Paul Weller since she broke on to the music scene six months ago, was back in Glasgow to play a sold-out show at the Garage nightclub.

But she invited her old teachers and 70 pupils from Bishopbriggs Academy for pizza and a private gig.

"It's so cool to see all my old teachers again," she said. "I would have loved to have been able to do it at the school, but since it's not there any more I decided to invite them along here instead."

Her music teacher Ronnie Robertson, who taught her Higher music at Bishopbriggs High School before it merged with Thomas Muir High School to become Bishopbriggs Academy in 2006, said Amy had inspired a new generation: "All the kids at school are talking about her. We're very proud of her."

Depute head teacher Douglas McBride, who she thanked on the album cover, This Is The Life, admitted: "I didn't realise that was our Amy with an album at No2 in the charts until the kids told me!

"It was obvious early on she was musically talented. She was a very hard-working, level-headed, sensible, mature pupil who always did very well but was never showy or flashy.

"Seeing her for the first time in two-and-a-half years she hasn't changed at all, she's still really down-to-earth."

The audience were excited to be seeing a former pupil on stage. Lynsey Reid, Stephenie Nicholson, Gillian McGrath, Rachael Challis and Carol Grant said they had all bought her album, and their favourite track was single Mr Rock N Roll.

Amy, whose new single LA is out this week, rounds off her spectacular year with a show at the legendary Barrowland Ballroom on December 14.

She said: "I'm extremely excited about that, I can't wait to play there. I've always enjoyed nights out at the Barras, so to be on the opposite side of that, up on stage, will be 10 times better."