CARDROSS musicians Ryan Young and Ainsley Hamill are once again set to take to the stage in Helensburgh as part of the Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland (TMSA) Young Trad Tour.

They will be joined by six other young and talented musicians for a performance at The Tower on Thursday, October 6 before they head out around Scotland over the next three months.

The tour is of the finalists and winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Competition 2015 and organised by the TMSA.

Winner, Claire Hastings, explained how it works: “We all get to play in our home towns so not only do we get to visit some of our old stomping grounds we get to show off the local sights to fellow finalists. No doubt there will be some friendly competition to see whose town has the best crowd…oh and the best place to eat!”

Cardross musician Ryan Young has twice been a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and this year he recorded his debut album with three-time Grammy award winning producer Jesse Lewis.

Also from Cardross Ainsley Hamill specialises in songwriting. She has recorded two albums and toured extensively with Barluath and has won several awards.

They are joined on the tour by Gemma Donald on Fiddle, Heather Downie on Clarsach, Claire Hastings on song, Séamus Ó’Baioghill on Fiddle & Pipes, Robyn Stapleton on song and accompanist Anna Massie.

TMSA Convener Fiona Campbell said: “We are delighted to once again showcase some of the brightest stars in Scotland’s traditional music scene and I continue to be impressed with how such diverse artists work so well together.

“The album has an amazing range of material which brings out the talents of each of the finalists as well as capturing the spirit of the group so ably coached by Corrina Hewat and Anna Massie. I have no doubt the live performances will wow audiences across Scotland.”

The tour kicks off in Helensburgh on Thursday, October 6 then visits Castle Douglas, Shetland, Skye and Dunblane.

Tickets and further information on the tour, can be found at visit www.tmsa.org.uk or by contacting the TMSA national office, at office@tmsa.org.uk or calling 0792 253 3915.