A DUNFERMLINE opera singer said he surprised himself with the booming voice that came out his mouth despite no formal classical training.

Liam Forrest, 19, is currently studying music at Aberdeen University on the back of a choral scholarship but found his passion for music as a Dunfermline High pupil.

In recent years, he has found success as a chorister in the choir of St Machar’s Cathedral and performing at events such as the Outwith Festival and Dunfermline United Burns Club.

Speaking of when his singing career began, Liam told the Press: "I watched Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts and thought I might give that a try.

"He was the first opera singer I had ever seen.

"I had sung in choirs before but I basically taught myself.

"When I chose to study music, that was really the first time anyone had heard me sing; everyone was completely shocked.

"I surprised myself really!

"It's never something my family really knew anything about but everyone has been completely behind me."

After fine-tuning his skills, Liam auditioned successfully for the National Youth Choir of Scotland Boys’ Choir and rose up the ranks quickly as a soloist.

He performed as much as he could from school concerts to Remembrance services.

"The support I have received has been crazy," said Liam.

"I am just a normal person from Dunfermline and it goes to show that classical singing is not just for the elite.

"I'm singing in Latin, Italian, Spanish, French and English! It just somehow sticks in my head.

"It would be great to sing with an opera company, otherwise I just want to continue with what I'm doing but hopefully on a much greater scale."

With hopes to make it as a professional classical singer, Liam credits the support of Brian Blanchflower, the former rector of Dunfermline High School.

Brian connected West Fife's Frances McCafferty, the world-renowned opera singer, with Liam as a pupil and she continues to play a huge part in his training.

Brian said: "I didn't really know Liam well and members of the music department weren't aware of any previous involvement before he chose to study music.

"When he sang, the teachers were absolutely gobsmacked.

"Liam had basically taught himself to sing by CD and he could not read music.

"They ran to my office and said, 'You have to hear this!'

"Then he had to sing for me and a few others and it was a real 'SuBo' moment!

"To be honest, we were just overwhelmed.

"He started doing some public performances and his street cred increased dramatically after that!

"Frances McCafferty told me he had great potential and offered to tutor Liam.

"She has been working with him for six years now and I have to say Liam is a real credit to her.

"We're all so proud of him and everybody who has been involved in his accomplishments wishes him every success in his future."