She is used to performing to crowds of thousands in prestigious venues around the world.

Nicola Benedetti has played to packed audiences across Europe and in the US and Australia, but her most recent performance took place in a much more intimate setting - her family home in Ayrshire.

The classical music star put on a special concert in the West Kilbride house she grew up in to raise money for music tuition in the area.

She and her family threw open the doors of their home to 160 people in an intimate gig which sold out shortly after it was announced.

Guests were treated to a buffet and garden party before the musician performed a one-hour recital with pianist Alexei Grynyuk in a large sun room at the back of the house on Sunday evening.

Miss Benedetti, who has been campaigning against council cuts to music education, was also joined by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and his Quartet for the show and all the money raised will go towards music tuition services in North Ayrshire.

The 31-year-old violinist, who has performed at famous venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall in New York, said she hopes the performance will raise a “significant sum” for a cause close to her heart.

The house where she was brought up by businessman father Gio and mother Francesca had room for the guests as her family recently converted it so her sister Stephanie’s wedding could be held there last December.

Speaking before the concert, Miss Benedetti said: “Obviously, I grew up there, playing all the time, but this will be quite unusual circumstances.

“This is our first attempt. Obviously, you are opening up your private home to people you don’t know but we all decided that we were going to go for it, and hope it goes smoothly.”

Following the concert North Ayrshire Council Music Service tweeted: “Absolutely amazing night! Thanks to Mr & Mrs Benedetti for hosting tonight’s concert in your beautiful home. Nicola it was perfect!!!”

A spokeswoman for Miss Benedetti said: “Ayrshire is Nicola’s home county where she grew up and received her first six years of musical experiences.

“She has so much love for the people and music making in Ayrshire and wants to do all she can to protect music education in the county and hopes this event will raise a significant sum of money.”