The award-winning Highland recording studios, Watercolour Music play host to a very special musical combination during the Celtic Connections festival which starts in Glasgow this week. And with one of the festival’s rising stars heading straight up the A82 to record his new album, the studios are taking the opportunity to mark Robert Burns 251st birthday with a double bill of young contemporary Scottish songwriting talent that Rabbie himself would be proud of.

Edinburgh-based Alex Cornish – tipped for pop stardom - will be visiting the studios hot on the heels of his festival appearance to lay down tracks for his new album, which follows on from the success of his debut, ‘Until the Traffic Stops’.

Alex is already turning heads in a serious way, provoking the kind of tips and plays that any major-label release would beg for: 5 weeks on the Radio 2 playlist, sessions for Radio 2, 6 Music and XFM; an ‘end-credit’ song for a Hollywood film, and The Sunday Times’ ‘hottest download of the week’ for his last album, ‘When The Traffic Stops’.

Alex’s visit to the studio was an ideal opportunity for one of the House Concerts that Watercolour Music have started to host at their brand-new premises in Ardgour, and so on Sunday 24th January, Alex and his band will be joined by special guest and old Watercolour friend, the phenomenally talented Iain Morrison. Iain’s music and song are as influenced by his uncle’s 70s rock collection as by his father, piping guru PM Iain Morrison’s playing and teaching. The Lewisman’s own new solo album – ‘Tripping Alone’ – was released just before Christmas.

Also joining Alex and Iain for a special acoustic performance of his new single, Scotland the Brave (no, not that one!), will be Watercolour director, Mary Ann Kennedy, who recorded harp tracks for an acoustic mix of the song, available as part of the single download.

The House Concert is being held on Sunday afternoon at 3pm, to allow audience from the mainland side to make the Corran Ferry. The gig has no formal admission charge, with donations only and kids go absolutely free. Advance booking is however essential, and places can be reserved by calling Watercolour Music on +44 (0)1855-841320 or emailing: info@watercolourmusic.co.uk.