The singer was visiting an Edinburgh care unit when she burst into song

An Edinburgh residential care service which offers accommodation for people recovering from alcohol related brain damage (ARBD) had a surprise visitor recently.

Multi-million album selling Scottish singer Susan Boyle took time out of her busy schedule to visit Penumbra Milestone and listed to a music group made up of residents as well as performing one of her biggest hits.

The singer, who is due to head into the studio to record a new album later this month, was invited to visit by a former service user and was also treated to a tour of the facility.

Dr Mathew Hicks, who runs the music group Susan listened to, said: “When we told residents that Susan Boyle was coming to the therapy group they thought we were joking. When she arrived they were amazed.

“Susan listened to the music and chatted to staff and residents. Towards the end of her visit she sang one of her biggest hits - Wild Horses.

It was an amazing experience to hear her sing in person... we were mesmerised

“It was an amazing experience to hear her sing in person... we were mesmerised.”

Penumbra Milestone is a partnership between mental health charity Penumbra, Waverly Care, NHS Lothian and Edinburgh City Council’s Department of Health and Social Care.

It is an alcohol-free 10 bed step-down unit which provides short-term care for vulnerable men and women, aged 18+, who have a diagnosis of ARBD.

The facility started accepting referrals in late 2014, but has its official opening on 23 April, when it will be visited by another famous face, Elaine C. Smith – who coincidently played the role of Susan Boyle in a musical based on the singer’s life.