A Hermitage Academy pupil has her sights set on the big time after a successful start to her karting career.

Inspired by her love of Formula 1, Katie Anderson took up indoor karting at ScotKart Clydebank in January.

Since then, she has racked up hours on the indoor track, as well as joining a rental car championship in Larkhall.

Mum Renee Anderson said: “Start ultimately wants to be in Formula 1, but they don’t currently have women, so the closest is the W Series.

“She’s probably one of the fastest girls at Clydebank, and she’s started outdoor karting at Larkhall as well.

“She was there last Saturday and there were 21 drivers. She qualified fifteenth and her best finish was tenth, which is not bad considering she’s only been on that track two or three times.”

Katie also recently for the local finals of the British Indoor Karting Championship, which took place last Wednesday.

The young driver was hopeful of a top six place which would see here through to the regional finals, but missed out on the night.

Speaking before the local finals, she said: “I feel quite happy about it because I’ve managed to qualify, but it’s very nerve-racking.

“I hope it pushes other girls to want to do it. It would be good to get more girls into it.”

Katie is no stranger to sporting success, having won a host of medals and trophies in Highland dancing over the years, including runner-up in the Argyllshire Championships at last month’s Cowal Gathering.

Her hunger for success in karting grew even stronger after a trip to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July.

She said: “That was the best experience of my life – it was amazing.

"I saw my hero, Lewis Hamilton, on stage and it was so good to see him in real life. I want to be on that platform with him."