Eight of Scotland’s best young folk musicians are touring the country over the next three months to showcase the talent of the finalists and winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Competition (2015). The tour kicks off in Helensburgh on Thursday 6th October.

LA-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Kayla Cohen has been recording as Itasca since 2010 but Open to Chance is her first album to feature the full band with whom she currently records and tours. Despite this, the album is beautifully characterised by her inventive guitar playing and dreamy vocals.

Along with Wildwood Kin, Seth Lakeman delivers an all-around winner with his latest album Ballad of The Broken Few. Produced by Ethan Johns it is stacked with winning ingredients that are impossible to resist.

Watch the new video from London trio TEYR as they perform the Scottish murder ballad ‘False Lady’ live. The video was filmed at their London album launch at The Old Queens Head and the song features on their new album ‘Far from the Tree.’ They are touring their album now.

With his new album, True Born Irishman, out this month, Johnny catches up with Daoirí Farrell to talk about his new album, songs, playing, influences – Liam Weldon, Christy Moore, Frank Harte, Len Graham – and the vibrant Dublin music scene.

Since 1996 The Scots Fiddle Festival has been promoting and sharing traditional Scots fiddle music. In its 20 years, the number of events organised by the volunteer committee has tripled, and this year over 40 musicians will present 50 events over the space of just one weekend in Edinburgh.

The term ‘Singer-songwriter’ barely scratches the surface of Ruth Theodore’s music, quirky would be an understatement – beyond the considerable instant appeal that Cactacus wields, there’s a wealth of poetry, satire and pure, natural artistry. Cactacus is a wonderful, captivating album.

With a shared appreciation of Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, Emma Tricca and Jason McNiff have created a hugely enjoyable and relaxed album. At under 25 minutes, it’s all too short, so here’s hoping for a full-length follow-up.

Recorded during Pentangle’s twelve-date 2008 reunion tour, Finale is a magnificent record in all respects. Treasure this set, for we’ll not see the like of Pentangle again. Out this week on Topic Records.

Hands Up for Trad today revealed that voting for this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards is now open and it’s up to the public to decide who they want to be nominated. Among the sterling list of nominees is the top 20 longlist for Scottish Traditional Albums of the Year 2016.

Listen to the title track from Sam Brockington’s debut EP ‘Peace of Mind’ out on 25th November 2016 via Prospect 21. The EP draws influences from folk to blues and soul with Sam blending these genres into his own unique, fresh style.

Anyone seeking the kind of feelgood experience that a straight-up album of good honest Irish traditional music can bring, need look no further than this charming disc, for it delivers nothing less than “the reel thing” with The Reel Note.