A GOUROCK singer has handed Ardgowan Hospice a cheque for more than £1,500 after performing his first hometown show in a decade.

Scott Nichol, 27, returned to Inverclyde earlier this year to bring his ‘My Journey So Far…’ show to the Beacon Arts Centre.

The former Gourock High and Clydeview Academy pupil moved away as a teenager after securing a spot at the Italia Conti performing arts school.

Scott and his family had hosted a number of events to raise money in a bid to send him to the prestigious institution.

Since graduating, he has performed around the world on cruise ships and featured in several 'off West End' productions in London.

He told the Tele: “Ten years ago, we had a show at the Beacon to help me go to drama school because it was so expensive.

“Over various events, we ended up raising about £7,000.

Scott NicholScott Nichol raised cash for Ardgowan Hospice at his 'homecoming' performance. (Image: Newsquest)

“I always said that, if I had the chance, I would do something to give back to the community, so that’s why I decided to do this.”

Scott chose to raise money for Ardgowan Hospice to give back after they supported his grandfather through a cancer diagnosis.

After the performance he handed over a total of £1,518.75.

Scott also made a donation to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), which offers advice and support to young people.

At the Beacon show, Scott was joined by a number of friends he has worked with over the years, as well as Scottish drag queen Cherry West.

Young performers from the Theatre School of Scotland also gave up their time to support the event.

Scott said: “I was more nervous because I haven’t performed to my family in a while. I’m usually performing to people I don’t know.

“It was good to share some funny stories from the cruise ships. It was a good laugh and I had a really great time.

“I’d love to work on something else in the future.

“I’ve always wanted to do a show called ‘The Boy Who Just Wanted To Be Jane McDonald’ – maybe I could get her here.

“I’ve seen how much she gets paid though, so I don’t know if we’ll quite manage that one!”