By Ryan McDougall
A young singer has launched Glasgow鈥檚 first 鈥淏usk Stop鈥 inside a shopping centre in an effort to provide performers with a dedicated spot indoors.
It was launched by 11-year-old Rachel Ronnie at Buchanan Galleries in the city centre, following requests from other buskers wanting to perform in Glasgow.
It gives artists a designated spot to use in a place that is safe and serves as a focal point due to the high footfall in the shopping centre.
Following Rachel鈥檚 performance on Monday, the Busk Stop will be available for performers to use over the summer and beyond.
Performances are to take place on a rotating schedule, offering shoppers a wide range of artists.
Kathy Murdoch, centre director at Buchanan Galleries, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to introduce a dedicated, free-to-use busking spot specially designed for young performers in Glasgow.
鈥淭his new space, in front of our iconic flower wall, provides a fantastic platform for emerging local singers to share their talent with the public, offering them the chance to perform in a safe and supportive environment where they can gain valuable experience and confidence.
鈥淎s well as help nurture the next generation of musical talent in our community, it also enhances the atmosphere for everyone who visits Buchanan Galleries, adding a lively and authentic musical experience for our guests.
鈥淲e were honoured to officially launch our 鈥楤usk Stop鈥 with an incredible performance by Rachel Ronnie, who set the tone perfectly for what we hope will be many inspiring moments to come.鈥
Rachel鈥檚 mother Karen Blackwood said: 鈥淩achel鈥檚 singing career started as a toddler. She could sing before she could talk and being brought up in a musical household she鈥檚 thrived through the years.
鈥淏usking since the age of five, she鈥檚 found her calling in life.
鈥淪inging is all she ever dreams about and one day she hopes she can entertain folk for a career.
鈥淩achel was thrilled to be asked to open the 鈥楤usk Stop鈥 at Buchanan Galleries since Glasgow is her busking home. The people of Glasgow really do make Glasgow the place to busk.鈥
Buskers who want to book a slot can do so at: https://www.buchanangalleries.co.uk/en/articles-listing-page/busk-stop.