SHARING shifts behind a busy Glasgow bar has led to Scotland's biggest rock band coming to the Borders.

Twin Atlantic, fresh from playing the Isle of Wight Festival last weekend, have pencilled in a date at the Victoria Hall in Selkirk next month.

And lead singer, Sam McTrusty, admits the draw of the Royal Burgh stems from his time pulling pints in the Bier Hall almost a decade ago with Frightened Rabbit drummer, Grant Hutchison.

Frightened Rabbit played their own homecoming gig at a packed-out Victoria Hall four years ago.

And Twin Atlantic hope to get a similar reception when they head down the A7.

Sam told us: "We had both just started our bands when we worked together.

"I remember Grant giving me a demo tape of their first album, Sings the Greys, with some original artwork done by his brother, Scott.

"I listened to the demo in awe for weeks.

"I've remained friends with Grant and he told us about Selkirk and that it was a good place to play.

"We enjoy playing to big crowds and also at the festivals, but sometimes it is just as special when you go somewhere you haven't been before and play to intimate crowd. I am really looking forward to coming to Selkirk."

Twin Atlantic steadily built a reputation as one of the country's best live bands before the release of their debut album, Vivarium, in 2009.

A steady stream of stunning singles and a further well received album, Free, led to Sam, Barry McKenna, Ross McNae and Craig Kneale becoming one of the most sought-after bands in the country.

Headline and other main-stage slots followed at major festivals across Europe.

And their popularity never waned as they played a massive homecoming gig at Glasgow's SSEC in front of over 10,000 fans during 2014.

The third album, Great Divide, peaked at number six in the UK album charts, and memorable performances at T-in-the-Park, Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds made sure they kept their place at the top table of British rock music.

As they grew into major players on the world music circuit, Sam's distinctive Scottish brogue was often brought into question by promoters and producers.

He explained: "When I started writing and recording songs they just naturally came out sounding like they do. We're obviously Scottish and we're proud of being Scottish.

"People have often told us to tone down our Scottishness and that we'd have wider appeal, but we'd never do that."

Twin Atlantic's fourth studio album, GLA, will be released in September.

It was written in Glasgow and recorded at Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles.

The perfect polished pop songs have been ditched and replaced by tracks that are just as compelling while possessing new depth and sophistication, and maintaining the trademark Twin Atlantic kick.

Sam continued: "We are maturing as people and as a band and I think that shows with each album we've released.

"We know a lot more about how studios work and we are much more capable as a band than we have ever been.

"This album is more about doing what we like doing and I think that shows."

The first preview show, last month at King Tuts in Glasgow, sold out in two minutes.

And the band's only other Scottish date - at La Belle Angele in Edinburgh - has also sold out.

Sam continued: "We are doing five or six dates around the UK to fit in with the European festivals.

"I believe we are nearly at the peak of our levels as a band and we are now one of the most exciting acts you will see.

"I may sound a bit full of it, but I do believe we are playing the shows that people having been screaming out for for 10 or 15 years.

"Selkirk is in for a night to remember."

Ahead of arriving at the Victoria Hall, Twin Atlantic will play festivals in Madrid, Aarhus, Scheessel, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin.

Tickets for the Victoria Hall gig on Thursday, July 14, priced at £18, are available from various online outlets.