Last month I was given the wonderful opportunity to duet with violinist, Nicola Benedetti.

Nicola Benedetti, who has been touring Scotland performing her Silver Violin concert, invited me to join her in a duet of 'Leaving Lerwick Harbour'.

Initially I was quite nervous about performing in front of a large audience; however I knew that I couldn't let this experience pass me by just because of a few butterflies in my tummy. Needless to say Nicola's warm and friendly manner quickly put me at ease and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

At the end of Nicola's spectacular show, she made herself available to autograph young and old fans' programmes and CDs whilst engaging in chat and encouraging others to be inspired by her talent.

This was a truly inspirational experience for me which I will never forget and feel extremely privileged to have been part of. Ruth McCracken