Among her fellow musically-gifted students are an oboe player from Glasgow, an accordion player from Bonnybridge, a violinist from Stirling, as well as a trombonist from Old Kilpatrick.

They are all at St Mary’s Music School, with 16-year-old Eleanor specialising in playing the piano alongside instrumentalists, composers and singers, who are all aged between nine and 19, A former pupil of Marr College, Eleanor is in her second year at the school, which boasts pianist Steven Osborne, conductor Garry Walker and cellist Philip Higham among its ex-students. Eleanor would like to emulate the many people who have gone on to play professionally, and is in no doubt what her ultimate ambition is.

She said: “My dream is to be solo pianist — there are so many people that have been inspirational so far, in particular Chinese classical pianist Yumja Wang, who is in her 20s. I have enjoyed my time at St Mary’s it has been amazing with the various classes, while academic studies are included in our timetable, although we do less than other schools.

“In high schools pupils have to do a minimum of six subjects, we have to so three, so I am doing maths, history, and English highers, A-level music, and National 5 German — that lot keeps me busy. When I leave here it will be to study at a conservatoire, either in Europe or the US, whoever has the best teachers, and will take me as a pupil.” Eleanor’s talent was what got her accepted to her current school, which takes pupils from all over Scotland and abroad, with an audition and assessment selection process. This is based on musical ability and potential, regardless of personal financial circumstances, with parents paying a contribution according to their means, Headteacher Dr Kenneth Taylor said: “St Mary’s Music School offers a world class musical and academic education in a close-knit community. Although the school is based in Edinburgh we are always keen to hear from musically gifted children throughout Scotland.” The school has an Open Day on October 3. Visit www.st-marys-music-school.co.uk for more information.