A TALENTED classical singer has performed in front of some of the country’s biggest sporting names.

Ciara Harvie took to the stage at the Big Sports Quiz Dinner in Glasgow last month.

The fundraiser was held by DEBRA UK, a national charity and patient support group for people living with genetic skin blistering condition epidermolysis bullosa, also known as ‘butterfly skin’.

The condition causes the skin to become very fragile, tearing or blistering at the slightest touch.

Ciara, who lives in Longniddry, said: “It was great to perform at this event.

“I opened the evening with Nessun Dorma, a song audiences always recognise, and especially fitting being a famous football song.

“It was a wonderful atmosphere, and I was delighted to be a part of raising money for the charity DEBRA, which was so deserving of the funds raised and so importantly helped to spread awareness of the debilitating disease.”

Among those in attendance at the William Street Hilton Hotel were footballing stars Frank McAvennie, Martin O’Neill and Julie Fleeting, as well as boxer Hannah Rankin and rugby star and Scottish broadcaster John Beattie.

Ciara said: “It is always exciting knowing that there are well-known people in the audience.

“I met former football player Graeme Souness, who is vice-president of the charity, and was so moved by how passionate he is about helping those with the disease known as ‘butterfly skin’.”

The 25-year-old is no stranger to performing in front of large audiences and crowds.

She has previously shone at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as at half-time at Easter Road Stadium when Hibs played St Johnstone, and at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow.

The former Preston Lodge High School pupil first captured the nation’s attention by appearing on TV’s The Voice.

And last year she took part in ITV’s musical dating show ,Romeo & Duet.

However, the coronavirus pandemic meant many performances had to take place virtually.

She said: “Since Covid, I have found it more difficult to come across work in music and events so I am doing everything I can to push my music career and get to where I wish to be.

“I recently began teaching singing lessons at Lamp House Music, in Haddington, which is a new venture for me.”