An Ayrshire mum who tragically lost her teenage daughter in 2018 is set to release her debut album which helped her channel her grief.
Lorraine Handling will release 'The Tide's Gonna Turn' next month which features the emotional track 'Alive in My Dreams' inspired by her late daughter Grace, 13, who died after taking ecstasy.
The music teacher from Irvine used music, her faith and long strolls across Irvine beach as ways to process her daughter's passing.
Lorraine said: "I never dreamed of Grace since her passing, but one night shortly before the third anniversary of her death, I had the most vivid dream about her.
"We were together again just talking and laughing like the way we used to. It felt so real but when I woke up, and I realised she was gone, it was the most devastating feeling. I couldn't put it into words so I went to my piano and started writing 'Alive in My Dreams'.
"It took a full year for me to sing it, and the first time I performed the song at an event I cried mostly through it. But when it came time to record the song, I did it in one take while playing the piano. I felt it had to be done that way, raw and connected to the piano.
The heartwrenching 'Alive in My Dreams' track opens with a piano lullaby melody as Lorraine soulfully sings:
"Nearly three years ago since I lost you,
"And I need you to know that I miss you.
"I remember the day that you left when you turned back around and you said 'I love you',
"I never saw you again.
"And now all I have left is when you come alive, come alive in my dreams."
The album cover was shot at Irvine beach where Lorraine was inspired to write many of her songs.
Devout Christian Lorraine added: "I've written a lot of songs over the years and music has always been such a big help for me while grieving.
"This album has nine songs and it's a mix of contemporary gospel and ballads; all of the songs are heavily influenced by my Christian faith.
"I go lots of walks at Irvine shore and the scenery has really inspired a lot of my songs.
"Going to the beach helps me walk out my feelings and pray on things. My faith has really helped me through this.
"I can't believe how far I've come and I'm amazed at how healing the process has been. I recorded the album throughout the summer, it took around two months to finish.
"I want to say thank you to my friends and family for all of their support and a big thanks to my friend Ian who produced the album."
The Tide's Gonna Turn will be available to stream on all major digital music stores and CDs will be available to buy on Lorraine's website from Friday, October 28.
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