Angus singer reaches final in search for Scotland's unsigned talent
An Angus singer is just one performance away from a £5000 prize and the chance to be mentored by McFly’s Danny Jones.
Belle Rana, a 28-year-old musician who regularly performs across live music venues across Scotland, has reached the final of the Belhaven Untapped competition.
The competition is part of the 'Live at Your Local' campaign, a UK-wide grassroots music project designed to support emerging talent and bring free live music to communities.
Belle is known for her acoustic performances and songwriting that draws on folk and traditional influences.
Now based in Glasgow, she regularly performs at live music venues across Scotland and has carved out a distinct space in the grassroots music scene.
Belle will compete in the final tonight (Friday), at The City Walls in Stirling along with three other Scottish acts.
The winner will receive £5000 to invest in their music career and a spot in the Greene King Untapped UK final in London next month.
Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Belhaven pubs, said: “Music has always had an incredible ability to bring people together, but with our research finding that almost two-thirds of music listening now happens solo, these shared experiences feel more important than ever.
“Belhaven Untapped is ultimately about creating more of these moments, whilst giving emerging artists a real opportunity to showcase their talent.”
The UK final offers the chance to win an additional £10,000, studio recording time, a performance at the Rolling Stone UK Awards 2026, and an exclusive mentoring session with McFly’s Danny Jones.
The Scottish final will be judged by a panel of industry professionals including last year’s winner Jasmin Jet, The Voice star Stevie McCrorie, and Music Venue Trust ambassador and Honeyblood singer Stina Tweeddale.
Andrew said: "The standard throughout the competition has been fantastic and our four Belhaven finalists really showcase the talent that is coming through the nations grassroots music scene.
“Friday is set to be a brilliant night, and we’d encourage people to come along, get behind the finalists and perhaps discover a new favorite in the process.”
Joining Belle in the final are three other emerging acts.
Kaleidoscope, an indie-rock band from Aberdeen, was formed in 2024 by students at North East Scotland College.
Meanwhile, Ayrshire five-piece Pelikan Rogue blends indie-rock with pop and electronic elements.
They have played venues such as King Tut's and have supported acts like Big Country, The Bluetones, and Hue & Cry.
The final act is T-A, a neo-grunge and post-punk band from Dunfermline made up of school friends Sophie De-Rose, Sean Sneddon, Ben Robertson, and Alfie Ramage.