A FUNDING boost is helping a Galashiels musician get into the groove.

Xander Lyons is already regarded as one of the most promising talents to come out of the Borders in recent years.

And now the 21-year-old singer-songwriter, fresh from completing an HNC in music at the Academy of Music and Sound of Edinburgh, is set record his debut EP after securing Nurturing Talent Funding.

The cash will be used to book studio time at Banana Row Studios in Edinburgh and to commission support musicians.

Xander told us: “This funding allows me to start releasing my music.

"I am delighted to be successful, it means a great deal to me.

"This grant will allow me to record a high standard EP and I hope this will help me to gain wider coverage of my music.”

With support from Creative Scotland and Young Scot, the Nurturing Talent Fund is administered by young people for young people.

Over the two year project, the National Youth Arts Advisory Group will issue £40,000 to individuals and groups across Scotland.

Applications for the Nurturing Talent Fund are available for young people, who can apply for funding from £60 to £500.

Louise Macdonald, Young Scot’s chief executive, said: “We’re really excited to see Xander’s dream of creating a professional EP become a reality.

"Scotland is a source of inspirational and talented young people like Xander Lyons.

"The Nurturing Talent Fund is a fantastic platform for young people to kick start their creative careers and show Scotland what they can achieve with a little support.”

Applications for next round funding close on August 28 and young people can apply via www.young.scot/get-involved.