Chart-topping pop star Emeli Sande says she has been inspired by buskers in Aberdeen feeding off their hunger to succeed.
The 32-year-old is on a nationwide hunt for local talent to perform with her and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra as part of a television series.
She stopped at St Nicholas Square to chat to 21-year-old full-time musician Finn Henderson-Palmer.
Sande said: “I think this series is going to really celebrate the beauty and diversity of music, in all its forms, from a singer on the street to a classically-trained instrumentalist.
“I’ve only just started my search and I’m already blown away by the level of talent that’s out there.”
She added: “The talent and young budding musicians of Aberdeen remind me of how I started out and the hunger and the hustle at the very beginning.
“It’s really exciting and I think it will inspire me to be as hungry as before.”
Emeli Sande will release her third album, Real Life, on June 21.
Her next single Extraordinary Being is out now. The track features in the new X Men film, Dark Phoenix, which is released on June 5.
Sande added: “It’s hard to get a start in music when you’re so far from London and the labels.
“Some people don’t recognise how much talent there is up here, especially in Aberdeen.
“I can give people a platform for people to do what they’re doing – especially buskers, as I think it’s so brave to just get out here and take any comments from passers-by. I have a lot of respect for them.”
She selected 21-year-old Finn Henderson-Palmer to join her team of buskers after she heard his cover of Ben E King’s Stand By Me.
The full-time musician, who recently moved to Aberdeen from Aboyne, said it was “surreal” to speak to one of his idols and perform for her.
Mr Henderson-Palmer He added: “I’ve seen her on the TV for years and grew up with her music, so it’s incredible.
“It is all quite a blur to be honest. I’m very excited and amazed.
“It’s an honour to meet her and she’s obviously from the same area that I’m from. It’s a cool experience.”
