Writers and Musicians of Scotland unite for huge project

In a move of commendable originality, figures from the Scottish music and literature scenes have come together to create a compilation set for release in March.

Ballad of the Books - spearheaded by Roddy Woomble - features 18 collaborations; featuring the likes of James Yorkston, Ian Rankin, Aereogramme and Idlewild.

Each song features lyrics penned by a particular writer, with a band then basing the music around their interpretations of those words.

Backed by the Scottish Arts Council and Chemikal Underground Records, the project will see the light of day on March 5th.

Here's what's on it:

Mike Heron & John Burnside - 'Song For Irena'
De Rosa & Michel Faber - 'Steam Comes Off Our House'
James Yorkston & Bill Duncan - 'A Calvinist Narrowly Avoids Pleasure'
Foxface & Rody Gorman - 'Dreamcatcher'
Lord Cut-Glass & Alasdair Gray - 'A Sentimental Song'
Aidan Moffat And The Best Ofs & Ian Rankin - 'The Sixth Stone'
Norman Blake & John Burnside - 'Girl'
Karine Polwart & Edwin Morgan - 'The Good Years'
Sons And Daughters & A L Kennedy - 'The War On Love Song'
Alasdair Roberts & Robin Robertson - 'The Leaving'
Strike The Colours & Rody Gorman - 'Message In A Bottle'
Aereogramme & Hal Duncan - 'If You Love Me You'd Destroy Me'
Malcolm Middleton & Alan Bissett - 'The Rebel On His Own Tonight'
Trashcan Sinatras & Ali Smith - 'Half An Apple'
Vashti Bunyan & Rodge Glass - 'The Fire'
King Creosote & Laura Hird - 'Where And When'
Emma Pollock & Louise Welsh - 'Jesus On The Cross'
Idlewild & Edwin Morgan - 'The Weight Of Years'

Ballads of the Book will be previewed at The Strathclyde Suite of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall at the end of this month, with contributions on the night from many of those involved in the project. Tickets will set you back £12.50. STERLING.