A Helensburgh student is preparing to make her debut at the world’s biggest arts festival with not one, but two shows.

Molly Keating, 21, has written shows titled 'Lost and Found' and 'The Rip Current', and will also perform in both at this month’s Fringe in Edinburgh.

The former Lomond School pupil found a love for playwriting whilst undertaking a module on her English Literature degree at Edinburgh University.

Having now built a network during her first three years at university, Molly is delighted to be showcasing her work at the festival.

She said: “It’s very stressful at the moment, but it’s so exciting.

“A big reason I came to Edinburgh University was to do the Fringe and I never got the chance in my first or second year because of Covid – so this is my first opportunity.

“I started writing The Rip Current in September, so I’m on about ten drafts of that, whereas I only started Lost and Found in June, so they’re every different in terms of preparation.

“I’ve found the process really enjoyable.”

Lost and Found, which will be at La Belle Angele from August 9-11, follows Edinburgh University student Maeve as she takes her two English flatmates on a night out in Glasgow.

The collision of Maeve’s home and uni lives, mixed with a few too many shots, makes for a fast-paced comedy packed with Glaswegian humour.

This show will also star two 23-year-old former Hermitage Academy pupils – Megan Gall and Annie Ferguson.

Lost and Found is directed by 16-year-old Olivia McGeachy and is presented by Paradok Platform, a project which is bringing 14 new shows to the festival for a run of three nights each.

The Rip Current will run from August 18-22 and August 24-29 and is presented by Edinburgh University’s theatre company, Bedlam.

It takes a dive into the fractured past of young Scot Jamie who struggles to assimilate after moving to Cambridge University.

He makes and unlikely connection with Bertie, a former Etonian, and attempts to escape the past in a battle to discover himself.

Molly hopes people will support this year’s festival, and local theatre, after a challenging couple of years for the arts.

She added: “I would encourage people to come because it’s nice to see new, Scottish theatre coming through.

“We talk about supporting local businesses, but we should support local art as well.

“After Covid and such a horrible couple of years, it’s just so important for people to see art and see theatre and give it the space it deserves.

“If you come and see Lost and Found, I’ll buy you a pint if you don’t laugh.”

Tickets for Lost and Found can be purchased by calling the Fringe box office on 0131 226 0000, and bookings for The Rip Current can be made at www.pleasance.co.uk.