A TALENTED singer is swapping the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the chance to star in an opera in Croatia.

Ciara Harvie is no stranger to Scotland’s annual performance arts festival and has wowed crowds in recent years.

This summer, she will swap St Cuthbert’s Church and Princes Street Gardens for the Croatian Opera Academy, in the country’s Varaždin.

She said: “I am very excited to be heading off to Croatia at the end of this month.

“It will be my first time going, and my first time attending an opera academy.

“I am very much looking forward to it – but nervous also, as it will be my first ever role in a full opera. I will be performing the role of Annio in La Clemenza Di Tito, by Mozart (I believe it will be one performance but I’m not entirely sure).

“I have a lot of practice to do beforehand, as we have to have it all memorised before we arrive!

“It definitely is a huge step for me in my singing career. I am always looking for new opportunities, so to have been given this role is a huge achievement for me – so I am very excited!”

The former Preston Lodge High School pupil shot to fame when she appeared on the popular television show The Voice.

Since then, she has performed at venues ranging from Easter Road – home of Hibernian Football Club – to The Tchaikovsky State Conservatory in Moscow.

However, the mezzo-soprano, who works at Mercedes-Benz Fort Kinnaird, has also been dipping her toe in another career, while helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The 26-year-old scooped the top model award, which is judged by photographers, at Miss Great Britain Edinburgh.

READ MORE: Singer Ciara Harvie hoping to be crowned Miss Great Britain Edinburgh

Although Ciara did not win the overall national crown, she told the Courier she would “love to do more in the future”.

She said: “I met so many wonderful people, including the other girls who I have made great friends with.

“Being a finalist also brought along many wonderful opportunities to attend various charity and social events and workshops during the lead-up to the final.

“We had opportunities to win side awards, such as the charity award (whoever raises the most funds) and publicity award (the girl with the most notable appearances).

“We had two days of rehearsing and, on the day of the final, we had an interview with six judges, speaking about ourselves and our achievements.

“In the evening, we performed an opening dance, then fashionwear, swimwear and eveningwear.

“The whole event was organised by the director of Miss GB Edinburgh (this is the first ever regional final for Miss Great Britain), Veronika Walker, who was runner-up Ms GB last year.”

Finalists raised more than £12,000 for Cancer Research UK and Alex’s Wish, while the final event raised money for Women’s Aid Edinburgh and Simpsons Special Care Babies Unit, and collected more than £40,000 on the night.

Ciara, who lives in Longniddry, said: “I can understand why people would have an outdated view of pageants, as there is a stereotype.

“However, when you become involved in them, you realise that they are so much more than getting dressed up and looking pretty!

“They are incredibly empowering, and grow confidence in young women.

“The girls were so supportive of each other; it’s a great way of forming new friendships and, with the amount of money that was raised, it goes without saying that the events are hugely charitable.”