Connect2Renewables Employability Initiative

A Coalburn teenager who lives and breathes music can follow her dream career thanks to support from the initiative.

Isla Macdonald has been part-funded to study in Glasgow and her travel costs have been covered. 

A former pupil of Lesmahagow High, Isla is one of more than 300 local people already receiving help as she studies for an HND in Music Performance at the Academy of Music and Sound in Glasgow. 

Having successfully won a place on the course, Isla found that it was only partly funded by SAAS and faced the prospect of losing out on the opportunity. However, a successful application to the Connect2Renewables Initiative has put Isla back on centre stage by covering the annual balance of her course fees, as well as supporting her with transport costs to and from college. 

Now, the talented singer is excelling with course work, growing in confidence in live performance, and even working towards releasing her first single. And, it’s the support from the fund that has opened the door to the career Isla has long been determined to follow.

“Having access to the funding has allowed me to attend the college that is best suited for me. As someone who has learning difficulties, I find larger classes and locations difficult and my college is the perfect size to allow me to get all the help I need. The fund also helps me pay for the travel costs of travel from what is quite a remote area. 

“I plan to finish my HND course this year and continue on at the Academy of Music and Sound, to achieve my BA and receive my degree in music. I hope by then to be performing full time and making a living from something I love.”