Tipped as the next Queen of Country, Glasgow girl Lisa McHugh is wowing audiences all over the British Isles and further afield in Europe. But wherever she goes, she can always depend on a warm welcome in Scotland. Taking time out from a busy schedule, Lisa told me about her journey to success and why she’s lucky to have ‘free-range’ parents to offer support.

“My parents are originally from Ireland but I was born and raised in Scotland,” she says in a soft Scottish burr. “We didn’t live right in the centre of Glasgow, it was more on the outside, toward the country side and I loved it. I came over to Northern Ireland nine years ago but my two older brothers and my sister are still in Scotland. They come over to see me as often as they can but with kids, well, it’s not always easy to find the time. Although, mum and dad are what we call ‘free range’ so they’re back and forward all the time. They’ll jump in the car and come see my show. It’s great to have their support.”

Initially, Lisa seemed set to follow a business career, working for her father’s construction company. But in 2009, she entered an Irish television talent show, ‘Glor Tier’ and, although she didn’t win, reaching the finals was enough to make her want to sing for a living.

“It was amazing!” she enthuses. “Performing onstage was the best feeling and I knew it was what I wanted to do.”

Three years later, Lisa was back on the talent show. The fact that, this time, instead of a contestant, she was in the role of Mentor reveals not only immense talent but gritty determination. What is the magic ingredient for success?

“Don’t take no for an answer,” she says. “It’s the first thing people always want to tell you. I can’t count the number of times the word ‘no’ was put in my way. But it just makes me more determined to prove I can do it. If I’m told I can’t, I’ll go out of my way to show I can. Everything and anything is possible if you have the drive and determination. Starting off in any career but especially this industry can be daunting but, really, the only person holding you back is yourself.”

Today, Lisa’s carer is still on an upward trajectory. With more than 15 awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year (four times) an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, six albums, a television show and a series of sell out tours, the songstress is busier than ever.

“To be honest, my life is always hectic,” she laughs. “I’d be worried if it wasn’t. I’m really fortunate to have shows up and down the country and then, at this time of year, there’s all the festivals going on as well. There’s always something to do or some place to go.”

So how does she chill out and relax?

“I go to the gym.” She tells me. “I started going in an attempt to build up my strength and stamina following an illness but, once I got into the swing of it, I found I really enjoyed it. I’ve been going for a couple of years now and wherever I am, I’ll always try to fit it in. As well as keeping me fit, it’s a great way to clear my head and blow off a bit of steam.”

The ‘illness’ Lisa refers to was a serious strain of meningitis. In a previous interview she told how, in 2016, she put troublesome headaches down to migraine and continued working. It wasn’t until her parents insisted she go to hospital that the diagnosis was made.

“Yes, it was very serious. I was in hospital for about a week and then off work for another two. But it took a good three or four months before I was really back to normal. I’m fine now but the doctors said I was very lucky. ”

With her energy levels at full power she’s looking forward to the next phase in her career. The only problem is she won’t tell me what it is.

“Ha, ha,” she teases. “No, sorry, I can’t tell you anything at the minute. Except….. I’m really excited!”

How about a clue?

“No, really, I can’t,” she refuses to be drawn. “Although, as well as my music, there are some great opportunities ahead. To be honest, there are some things that people probably wouldn’t expect me to be involved in which just makes it all the more exciting for me. Seriously, until all the ‘i’s’ have been dotted and ‘t’s’ crossed, I’m not allowed to say anything.”

Still, she can talk about her latest single, Y’all Come

“Oh, yes, this is a great song. It’s brand new material and has a very catchy tune. I’ve put my own stamp on it. Y’all Come is a really fun song.”

If she had to pick a favourite, of all her singles which would it be?

“It would have to be Apple Jack,” she says without hesitation. “If I didn’t have that, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today. It’s the song that put me on the map and even now, I can't do a show without singing it.”

How about a highlight of her career?

“Singing Kris Kristofferson’s Help Me Make it Through the Night onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, it was surreal. The most incredible experience of my life.”

Now based in Enniskillen, how does she feel about her adopted home?

“I love living here. In fact, I’ve probably been in every corner of Ireland so I know it like the back of my hand. The people here are so friendly and I’ve a lot of friends. But I always look forward to going over to perform in Scotland, its lovely to go home.”

Onstage, she’s a natural performer. With stunning good looks and a rich melodic voice, Lisa has every reason to be confident. I asked her whether nerves ever get the better of her.

“No, not generally,” she says, then after some reflection; “Well maybe if I’ve never been to the place before or it’s a really big show, then there might be a little bit of adrenaline. But, mostly, no I don’t get stage fright. I love singing on stage, there’s no feeling like it. Of course, I also enjoy recording in the studio, I suppose it’s all part of the creative process.”

Lisa McHugh will be preforming: September 19 Inverness: Sept 20 Oban: Sept 21 Glasgow Sept 22 Dundee Sept 23 Dumfries

For full details visit https://lisamchughmusic.com