AN AWARD-winning fiddle player from Cardross has been selected, along with his stage partner, as the only UK artist to play at a prestigious gathering of some of the best talents from the world of music.

Ryan Young will be accompanied by guitarist Jenn Butterworth at the upcoming World Music Expo (WOMEX) event in Tampere in Finland on Thursday, October 24.

The conference is described as “the most international music meeting in the world and the biggest conference of the global music scene”, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and a showcase festival.

More than 2,700 professionals are expected to attend, including 300 performing artists from more than 90 countries, and for traditional fiddler Ryan, the occasion will mark a meteoric rise since the release of his debut album three years ago.

READ MORE: Fiddler Ryan is nominated for top Scots folk award

Drawing heavily from his Scottish roots, while borrowing from Irish fiddle styles, to bring inventive twists to old and forgotten tunes, his unique approach to Scottish folk music has prompted descriptions of Ryan leading a “new wave” of Scottish traditional musicians, who aim to bring a fresh and inventive approach to the genre.

He has just finished recording his second studio album - and he has made such an impression on one loyal fan that every year he receives a photo of a flock of sheep painted with his name.

Despite a request via social media the owner has never been identified.

READ MORE: Cardross fiddler rubs shoulders with big names in folk music world

“It’s a tad bizarre,” said Ryan, “but lovely that someone wants to support me in this way.

“I would love to know who it is though, even if they are just playing a practical joke.”

Ryan and Jenn were finalists in the Folk Band of the Year category at the 2018 MG ALBA Trad Awards, while Ryan was also a finalist in BBC Radio 2’s Horizon Award category of last year’s Folk Awards, after winning up and coming artist of the year at the 2016 MG ALBA Trad Music Awards.

He is also a Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winner and a finalist of BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Music Awards for both 2015 and 2016.

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