SCOTS musicians have been playing to an audience of international promoters and agents in New York.

Some of the nation's finest contemporary acts performed in the Big Apple over the weekend in a music showcase that gave them the chance to earn record deals and gigs in the US and beyond.

American crowds were treated to the sounds of folk bands such as Blazin' Fiddles, Back of the Moon and Battlefield Band, Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis and jazz musician Fraser Fifield.

The tartan invasion formed part of 1000 shows across New York in the 50th annual conference of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters.

The showcase of Scottish acts was organised by the British Council Scotland, with funding from the Scottish Arts Council, and was a first for the conference.

Roy Cross, director of British Council Scotland, said: "The bands were chosen to represent the best of Scottish contemporary music that is attractive to a US audience.

"British Council Scotland promotes the vibrancy of the Scottish arts scene internationally and showcases like this provide excellent opportunities for Scottish music to reach wider audiences."

The conference brought together 4200 leading artists, thinkers and performers from more than 25 countries.

A delegation of Scots theatre and dance professionals were also at the conference to research the possibility of a performing arts showcase in years to come.