Singer Megan makes it a family medley by winning festival prize

Teen lands sought after Blue Riband 54 years after grandad

A young singer has penned a special chapter in her family history and the story of Arbroath Music Festival with the capture of the event’s top honour.

Megan Cant’s Blue Riband win just a few days after her 16th birthday came 54 years to the day after her grandfather received the prize for the third time, including once in a duet with the singing coach now guiding the teenager to success.

The Dundee High School pupil delivered a masterclass across the entire festival programme, winning two gold medals and five trophies in the seven classes in which she took part, before adding two further accolades to her haul from the festival finale winners’ concert.

The names on the Blue Riband trophy go back to 1926. That of her grandfather, Willie, a founder member of Arbroath Male Voice Choir and lifelong supporter of the festival, is engraved on it for 1938, 1948 and 1966.

He passed away

anumber of years ago and Megan’s father, George, said the Blue Riband honour had made the family “incredibly proud”.

The family paid tribute to the teaching of Dundee High figure Susan Colgan and Megan’s private tutor Sheena Glover, who shares the special connection to festival history.

“As Sheena Guthrie, she and my father were the first dual winners of the Blue Riband having sung a German song as a duo, and Sheena was Megan’s accompanist on the night so that made it extra special for them both,” said George.

“Megan first entered the festival a few years ago and did quite well, but we are so proud of what she has achieved this year at such a young age.”

Megan had turned 16 on the Tuesday of last week’s festival, and the following day embarked on her pursuit of success.

“In my first competition I got 89 and won it, and then in the second class I received an honours mark of 90,” said Megan.

Her talents stretched from Burns to the best of musical theatre.

“I enjoy singing in so many classes because that gives you different pieces to do,” said Megan.

“I think I like the classical side best, because it helps with technique and that then helps you with your skills for singing other genres,” she added.

“In my first competition I got 89 and won it, and then in the second class I received an honours mark of 90. MEGAN CANT

Picture: Paul Smith. Megan Cant is following in her grandfather’s footsteps by getting her hands on the Blue Riband.