I’m Scotland’s only Taylor Swift – coming face to face with my idol was the best moment

TAYLOR Swift came face to face with Taylor Swift — and insisted: “It was the best day of my life.”

The superstar’s namesake told how she “cried with happiness” at her pop idol’s first Scots show in nine years and reckons they even made eye contact.

Delighted Taylor, 19, of Newarthill, Lanarkshire, watched on at the front of the 73,000-strong crowd after her mum Mairi Rice forked out £640 for two last-minute tickets.

The pair were thrilled as US icon Taylor, 34, powered through 45 hits in three-and-a-half hours in the first of three back-to-back shows at Murrayfield Stadium this weekend.

And the former chip shop and factory worker soon became the centre of attention as fellow Swifties learned she shared her name with their favourite singer.

Last night overjoyed Taylor said: “My soul was standing beside her and my body was in the crowd.

“I was crying with happiness for every single song.

“She was brilliant. I reckon she made eye contact a couple of times.

“I was screaming at the top of my lungs. Antihero and Cruel Summer were my favourite songs.

“I’ve lost my voice because I sang too loud.

“It was the best day of my life.

“I was telling people my name was Taylor Swift and I was getting my photo taken with them.

“I told them to look online to see that I was in the paper.”

We told how Taylor was named by mum Mairi and dad Peter Swift, also 43, two years before the singer shot to worldwide stardom.

The connection proved a curse as she was turned down for jobs because employers refused to believe her name was genuine — and quizzed about her ID by sceptical airport security staff.

But despite the pitfalls Taylor insisted she would never change her name — and soaked up the atmosphere as the home of Scots rugby hosted the country’s biggest ever gigs.

Fellow fans were stunned to learn she was the only Scottish Taylor Swift.

Pals Stacie Gibbins, 33, Beth Noble, 30, and Sam Horn, 32, who met Taylor outside the Edinburgh venue.

Team leader Stacie, of Newcastle, said: “It’s surreal meeting someone with the name Taylor Swift.

“It was destiny to come here and meet someone with the same name!”

Swifties Chloe Rowntree, 21, and Holly Gledhill, 20, were also charmed to meet the Scottish Taylor.

Barista Holly, of Leeds, said: “She seems so lovely.”

Other fans, including many who’d travelled from overseas, started queuing for last night’s second show as early as 3.30am. Terri-Lynn Holoiday was among the first to appear while a small number of campers could be spotted nearby.

Terri-Lynn, 39, of Calgary, Canada, said: “I’ve been here since 3.30am — it’s been so cold but I’ve been freezing. We’ve met so many amazing people here in the queue.”

Eliza Porcu, 37, of Sardinia, Italy, wrapped herself in blankets to stay warm in the hours before the gig.

She said: “We flew from London. I’m so excited. We’ve all been making hundreds of friendship bracelets in the queue together.”

Teacher Joel Simpson, 24, of Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, told how he was as excited as his pupils.

He revealed: “My class have been making friendship bracelets all week for this. They all love Taylor Swift.

“It’s a great wee way for the kids to bond and make a connection with each other.”

He donned a kilt to mark the superstar’s first Scots shows since 2015 at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.

Joel said: “I’m so chuffed to see Taylor back in Scotland. It’s not just a concert, it’s a fashion event too.”

The stylish singer showcased 14 outfits during Friday’s show while thousands of fans were decked out in sequins and gems.

Sam Close, of Middlesbrough, appeared in a feathered and sequinned bodysuit.

Sam, with pals Kacie Ellwood and Holly Fox, insisted: “We’ve gone all out. You won’t miss us.

“I’m absolutely buzzing.”

Swiftie Mingzhu Du, 25, originally from Beijing, travelled to the Scots capital from her London home.

The fashion design student said: “I came up with my boyfriend to see Taylor for the start of the UK tour.

“I just know it’s going to be an amazing night.”

Bagpiper Charlie Gibson, 17, got fans in the mood by belting out Taylor anthems outside the venue.

The Strathclyde University business student revealed he spent months perfecting versions of her smashes.

Charlie, of Edinburgh, said: “I want to spread the joy of Taylor Swift’s music through the bagpipes. I’m trying to raise a bit of money to get me through university.”

His girlfriend, Amber Herdis, 17, said: “I’m so proud. He’s living it up with the Swifties.

“They’re loving the Scottish twist on Taylor’s music.”