Scots influence on Eurovision winner revealed

BRITAIN may have failed to make an impact at this year’s Eurovision song contest, but a Scottish influence helped Denmark’s entry to victory.

Emmelie de Forest performs "Only Teardrops". Picture: Reuters

Emmelie de Forest spent five years working alongside Scottish folk musician Fraser Neill, touring around Denmark and honing her voice and sound. The duo would perform their own songs, as well as a range of covers.

The song featured numerous folk elements, including a penny whistle and celtic drums, indicative of de Forest’s work with the world-renowned Neill.

The 20-year-old was the first odds-on bookies’ favourite in the history of the competition, and her song Only Teardrops netted 281 points in the Europe-wide vote. Azerbaijan came second, with Ukraine third.

Britain’s Bonnie Tyler finished in 19th place out of the 26 competing countries, with 23 points. Britain has not won the contest since 1997.