THIS is a story of a virtuous circle.

Some years ago the Dewar Arts Awards organisation, which I chair, had an application from a young folk musician.

She had already picked up the title of Young Traditional Musician of the Year from the BBC in 2004, so we knew she was special. But she wanted some help to launch a recording career and get on to the next rung.

We happily gave her quite modest funding, which Lauren MacColl parlayed into a stellar folk career, winning the Celtic Connections 2008 title for best album, and a year later, instrumentalist of the year at the Trade Music Awards.

And when the Dewar Awards celebrated their 15th birthday last year, she put together some wonderful entertainment as her way of saying thanks to one of her early backers.

Based in the Black Isle, Lauren now tours mainly with two groups, Rant and Salt House.

She’s bringing the latter to Cove Burgh Hall this Saturday, playing fiddle and viola herself, with singer and guitarist Ewan MacPherson, formerly of Shooglenifty, and singer, songwriter and guitarist Jenny Sturgeon.

They are three consummate musicians all keeping the Scottish folk tradition alive and thriving, and they’re on stage at the Burgh Hall this Saturday, November 10. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start – tickets at the Cove Burgh Hall website.