THE hills were alive for one young Barrhead star 15 years ago.

Kirsty MacLaren, 11, who had just started Barrhead High, was set to play Louisa in the Sound of Music at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal.

A staggering 500 children auditioned for the production in the hope of being selected to be one of the two groups of only seven children.

Kirsty’s dad, Douglas MacLaren, said: “From an early age she always managed to get the lead roles in various shows at Cross Arthurlie Primary. We are very proud of her and she hopes to continue in drama but has other ambitions as well.”

Kirsty, from Seaforth Crescent, added: “I am really pleased to be in the show. I would like to continue down this route and do drama.

“But if I couldn’t do that I would consider becoming a lawyer, particularly a criminal lawyer because that involves drama.”