A Cardross musician has been nominated for a top music prize - and now needs YOUR votes to help him over the line.

Last month we reported that Ryan Young was hoping to get a nomination for the 21st MG Alba Scots Trad Music Award.

Thanks to readers' help, he did just that and now public voting is open for one more week.

Ryan said he was up against some "giants" in traditional music and would be grateful for all support to give him a chance to win.

Voting closes at midnight on November 19.

Ryan told the Advertiser: "I’m extremely delighted to be up for this nomination.

READ MORE: Cardross' Ryan Young to perform at The Reeling in Glasgow

"I was nominated for Musician Of The Year at last year’s awards, which was itself an unexpected, lovely surprise. So I really wasn’t expecting to be nominated again this year.

"I’m up for Live Act of the Year this time which means a lot to me.

"Playing live and sharing music to a live audience is something I’ve always cherished. It’s my favourite part about being a musician.

"The interaction and conversation you can have with a live audience through music is something that’s very difficult to explain.

"I have friends who would much rather be in the studio, making records but playing for someone brings out things in music you didn’t previously know were there.

"I love this unknown if not knowing exactly what will happen or the direction you’ll find yourself in."

Despite the "odds" being stacked against him, said Ryan, he hopes the public vote could yet go in his favour.

He continued: "It’s very humbling and such an honour for me to see my name listed alongside theirs, and really, I’m just thrilled to be heading to the ceremony and to be part of it all.

"I’d be very grateful if the local community might please vote for me though, as to win the award would be a huge accolade and would help me move forwards with my career.

"I feel very lucky to come from the area and to have so many people supporting me at every step of the way."

Ryan has just released his second album, "Just A Second", produced by four-time Grammy winner Jesse Lewis, who has worked with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and Béla Fleck.

He added: "I already have plans for a third album and have been enjoying teaching and travelling too.

"I’ll be touring Australia for six weeks in January, before heading to France and Germany for further tours with gigs in Belgium, Luxembourg, across the UK, Canada and the USA also being organised.

"I feel very lucky and fortunate to be a full-time musician. It’s something I had always dreamt of and I still can’t believe it’s what I actually do."

To vote for Ryan as best live act of the year, visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TradAwards2023.