A DUNFERMLINE singer is excited for her debut festival and single release in what is set to be a busy August for the young musician.

Deni Smith, 18, is set to play at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival near Inverness on August 5-6 before the release of her new single later in the month.

Deni, who was a finalist in the Live Music category at the inaugural Press Community Champions Awards in 2015, can't wait to perform at the festival and told the Press: "I'm both excited and at the same time nervous for the Belladrum Festival because I've never performed on that sort of stage.

"Luckily, I don't really get stage fright anymore, but Belladrum is my first big festival so hopefully I won't get nervous for that.

"Performing as a soloist has definitely given me more confidence on stage and I feel that I've come into my own as a result. I don't have to rely on other people to be there to play alongside me, it means I'm now free to play any event. I'm very independent now.

"I was part of a band before I was studying in Glasgow. Being in a band helped my confidence to grow as I had support on stage beside me. It's tough to break into the Glasgow music scene as a soloist, as it's so competitive but I've been able to meet some great musicians there. I'd love to have another crack at performing there on my own. I just want to get my name out there to as many places as I can."

She plans on releasing an EP before Christmas as well as touring parts of Scotland, such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Stirling. Before that though, she will be performing in her hometown of Dunfermline at De Brus Brewery on August 14 to debut her new single, Bring Back the Sun.

She said: "The song is an upbeat summer tune to help people through the rainy Scottish days. Who doesn't want to bring back the sun? It definitely seems to make everything a little bit better.

"My friends and family have been very supportive and ask me for updates and how things are going all the time. They come along to my gigs to show their support and as this is really my first headline show and the single will be able to download online the next day, I really want it to go well."

A number of special guests have been lined up for the gig, including Carol Hodge, George Murray, Katlynd Shields and Freya Stobie, who will all be performing on the night. The gig is expected to sell out fast but there are still tickets available and can be purchased online for £3.