Horse at The Queen’s Hall *****

The roof of the Queen’s Hall led a charmed life as Horse and her band rocked the Edinburgh venue with a five star performance in front of a packed auditorium on Friday evening.

In the penultimate gig before taking her tour to Australia, Horse delivered a songlist charting a career that has earned her a world-wide following over some 25 coveted years. Like a fine wine, this iconic singer/songwriter just seems to get better with age too.

The four piece ensemble belted out timeless classics from yesteryear including Speed of the Beat and You Are whilst delivering a barnstorming rendition of God’s Home Movie that would have made a metaphorical pin-drop be heard as the crowd sat hypnotised by Horse’s ethereal voice.

A trio of anti-bullying songs were introduced by the Stonewall Scotland role model midway through the show that would have gone on long into the night if the audience had their way.

Regarded by many as her signature tune and title of the stage show that premiered at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Careful, was just one of and handful of songs dedicated to several of those sitting around the hall – showing Horse’s ability to retain her personal touch and bond with her followers.

Many save their best for last, but it was the penultimate tune of the night that worked the energetic audience into a frenzy. They were on their feet and dancing in the aisles as Never Not Going To boomed out whilst Horse, microphone in hand, went for a wander amongst her adoring faithful.

After the mayhem, the (figurative) curtain sadly had to come down. Support act Sandra MacBeth, who has just launched a new EP, was invited back on stage to join in a rousing rendition of Wild Mountain Thyme. It was the perfect tonic to round off one of Horse’s finest hours (and a half) on stage yet.

After the gig, Horse stayed back to meet and chat with a sea of her seasoned – and new – fans. Well, who could help but be won over?