SKIPTON singer-songwriter Anna Howells is due to perform in Scotland this weekend after securing a place on a programme for new, emerging artists.

Anna, a mum and teacher, has always been surrounded by music, from her Irish roots to playing saxophone and clarinet in Yorkshire bands and orchestras, but it was during the coronavirus pandemic that she learned to play guitar and sing, and has been writing ever since.

She started performing at open mic events in September last year, and earlier this year was successful in getting a place on Stages - a writing, production and performance programme for emerging songwriters.

Tomorrow (October 28) she is due to perform at Eden Court, Inverness, where she will be one of 12 singer-songwriters appearing in Stages: The Journey to Performance.

All will perform original and unheard songs at the launch of their collaborative album. Under the guidance of singer-songwriter and record producer Boo Hewerdine, and facilitated by creative writing centre, Moniack Mhor, the songwriters have been working with a host of industry professionals including Emma Pollock from The Delgados and singer-songwriter Findlay Napier.

From generating new song ideas, through recording with Chem19 Recording Studio, album production with Elly Lucas, and learning about the music industry, the culmination will be Saturday's celebration of new work and live performance.

Boo Hewerdine said it would be a 'wonderful evening of new music'. He said: "Stages has far surpassed my expectations. To hear these songs being created, recorded and now performed has been extraordinary. The individuality of each piece and the collective nature of the project has been a heady brew."

To book tickets, visit https://eden-court.co.uk/event/stages-the-journey-to-performance More about Anna at: https://linktr.ee/annamcc75