ST BOSWELLS Live have secured a very rare Scottish performance by a true legend of the British folk scene.

For more than 40 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music’s greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it.

Trailblazing musical partnerships with, amongst others, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick and his award-winning wife (Norma Waterson) and daughter Eliza Carthy have resulted in more than 40 albums, but Martin has only recorded 10 solo albums, of which the much anticipated Waiting for Angels was the latest.

Whether in the folk clubs (which he continues to champion), on the concert stage, BBC Radio’s Desert Island Discs, or making TV appearances (he was the subject of the acclaimed ‘Originals’ music documentary strand on BBC 2) – there are few roles that Martin Carthy hasn’t played.

He’s a ballad singer, a ground-breaking acoustic and electric-guitarist and an authoritative interpreter of newly composed material. He always prefers to follow an insatiable musical curiosity rather than cash in on his unrivalled position.

Perhaps, most significant of all, are his settings of traditional songs with guitar, which have influenced a generation of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, in the USA, and Richard Thompson, Nic Jones and Martin Simpson in the UK.

Promoter, Keith Farnish said: “Apart from some people in the community already being star struck at the idea of Martin playing in St Boswells, what will really add to the experience is listening to the stories behind the songs that he performs.

"He is one of the great English story-tellers and collectors, as well as a consummate musician, who will feel right at home in the Scottish Borders, a land made of stories and songs.”

Doors open at 7.30pm at St Boswells Village Hall on Sunday, January 22, with the music starting at 8pm.

Tickets are available from www.stboswellslive.com or St Boswells Post Office, priced just £12 (£8 under 18s).

Also on the door priced £14 (£10).