A young musician is being hailed as a future star after taking to the stage at short notice to help out an international jazzman.
The borrowed suit might have been on the baggy side, but there was nothing wrong with the crisp notes coming from the trumpet of schoolboy Philip Cardwell, 16.
Edinburgh-born jazz musician Tommy Smith was highly impressed when he heard Philip play his trumpet during a school workshop.
Later on Wednesday, the celebrated saxophonist learned that his fourth trumpeter was stranded abroad - only hours before a show at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness.
He broadcast a radio appeal, urging Philip to get in touch. And, aptly, the schoolboy heard it in a music shop.
A hurried rehearsal, a spare suit borrowed from Smith, and Philip walked on to the stage to a hero's welcome from the professionals in the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, his fellow students, and his parents in the front row.
He appeared unfazed by the 500-strong audience as he played the solo in the first number of the Highland Festival concert, An Ellington Mood.
Yesterday, back at his morning paper-shop job, Philip said: ''It was incredible. I was supposed to be in the audience but ended up on stage.
''When I heard about the radio appeal I joked that they were wanting me to play lead trumpet. All the time I was waiting for Jeremy Beadle to jump out.
''I was nervous but it was a great experience. Once I started playing I relaxed. I would love to make a career out of playing trumpet, so this was the best start I could get.''
Smith praised the Lochaber High schoolboy who sits his Standard Grade music exam next week. He said: ''Philip is a very gifted young player and he did just great. We rehearsed four times, he went on and read his parts at first sight, and his solo made us all turn round.''
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