Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprised young musicians in Edinburgh as he launched his new Foundation.

The singer-songwriter wowed children and young people in the Muirhouse area of the city with a surprise visit to local music initiative, Tinderbox Collective.

The secret visit formed part of the launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a new initiative aimed at supporting and developing young talent.

During his visit, Sheeran stunned a local youth club at Muirhouse Library, where he joined a group of young people trying out different instruments, and chatted to them.

Maxwell from Craigroyston High School said: ‘We were absolutely shocked. I’ve always admired Ed Sheeran and the way he sings and his music. I want to do music and now I feel even more motivated.’

A member of the Tinderbox Collective, Anno said: ‘Unbelievable. I really like Ed and I listen to his music. Just to see him right now is amazing. Crazy. Inspiring.’

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Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh with visit to Tinderbox Collective

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The secret visit formed part of the launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation

Muirhouse Library was the first of Scotland’s ‘We Make Music Instrument Libraries’ – an initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like taking out a book.

Sheeran then joined a 100-piece choir at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre made up of pupils from Forthview Primary School, Craigroyston Primary School, Pirniehall Primary School, St David’s RC Primary School and Craigroyston High School, and performed Sheeran’s hit single ‘Bad Habits’ with young rappers, singers and musicians from Tinderbox’s wider music programme.

Speaking about the foundation, Sheeran said: ‘Music education has shaped who I am. I’ve always enjoyed playing music, and it’s led to some of the best moments of my life.

‘It is so important to have brilliant music education both in and out of school.

‘It’s great to hear that music tuition is now free in all schools in Scotland, but it is not reaching everyone and we need to do everything we can to make sure it is accessible and inspiring for all children and young people.’

Jack Nissan, Director of Tinderbox Collective, said: ‘Ed’s visit was so inspiring for all the young musicians in Tinderbox and it’s fantastic to have him advocate for music education and help build links with the wider music industry.

‘We need to work together across schools, the community and the industry to fill music education with as much energy, diversity and creativity as possible, and to make sure that it is accessible, relevant and inspiring for everyone.’