Contin teen singer signs contract with Scottish chart-topper

A young Highland singer has been signed by one of Scotland's biggest artists.

James MacGillivray (Wee James), from Contin, impressed Callum Beattie when he performed at the Salamander Street singer's gig in Strathpeffer last year.

The singer-songwriters kept in touch, and now alongside his manager Dave Rodgers, Callum has signed the 13 year-old.

Callum confirmed the news in a Facebook post.

He said: "2021 was very busy for us, but as well as working on my music, Dave and I also set up a wee production/management/media company, which allows us to also develop and work on other projects (more news coming).

"Now that all the contracts etc are signed, we are delighted to announce that we have made our first official signing.

"If anyone was at Strathpeffer, you’ll know how insanely talented Wee James is.

"So much so, that Dave and I have signed his worldwide management.

"BIG things will be happening with him starting in 2022.

"Welcome aboard the madness wee man!!!"

The Strathpeffer Pavillion Community Trust, who helped organise James to sing at the gig in September, were one of many wishing him well.

“I want to be a good performer, just making everybody happy" - Wee James

Speaking to MFR News, Wee James explained how long he's been performing for and how he found the gig.

He said: "I started busking when I was eight.

"I was always busking up at my Granny’s café and I really enjoyed making people happy.

"They were all proud of me for singing all the time.

"One of my dad’s friends always said they’re going to be the one who organise my first gig and then Callum Beattie came along. It was a very good atmosphere.

“He’s a very nice guy, I’ve learnt so much from him, he’s helped me a lot.

“I’m very happy. They can work with me and hopefully I can do gigs with them. I can’t wait.

“I want to be a good performer, just making everybody happy."

His mum Miranda says his family are delighted with the news.

She said: "I’m so excited for James, it’s all he’s ever wanted to do.

"He’s the luckiest boy in the world to get this opportunity and I’m sure he’s going to smash it.

"I just can’t believe that’s his career started now.

Miranda also explained how her son made the most of his big chance singing with Callum.

She added: "It was in front of 650 people, a lot of people!

"To finish off the night, James crowd surfed so that was exciting to watch.

"I was a bit nervous, but the security was there to catch him at all times so it was fine."