MUSICAL and creative leaders have gathered down under to launch the largest-ever showcase of traditional Scottish music and heritage in Australia.

A 12-month programme of performances has been unveiled as part of Australia’s Year of Scotland – a nationwide series of events showcasing Scottish music, culture and cuisine.

Beginning on Hogmanay, the programme features hundreds of performances from Scotland’s finest traditional, Gaelic and Celtic musicians.

The first details of the musical celebration were unveiled yesterday at a launch event at the Sydney Opera House, attended by top Australian music festival directors and promoters, as well as Creative Scotland’s Head of Music Alan Morrison.

In the first three months of the programme, there are to be 150 performances at more than 70 festivals and venues in more than 60 towns and cities.

Among the acts to feature will be Capercaillie, Elephant Sessions, Breabach and Rura.