Young people from across Ross and Cromarty are being invited to take part in the Summer Rock Schools being organised by Careers Scotland and the Highland Council's youth development officers.

There are three two-day modern music workshops across three different venues in Ross and Cromarty in early August. These are being funded by a variety of organisations including Eden Court, local councillors, Careers Scotland, Highland Council and Leader +.

The workshops on the 2nd and 3rd of August will be in Ullapool's MacPhail Centre, those on the 4th and 5th of August will be at TRACC in Tain while the final venue on the 8th and 9th of August will be Dingwall Town Hall. There will also be a special Showcase event on the 10th of August at Dingwall Town Hall when bands from all three venues will come together and play for family, friends and supporters starting at 6.30pm.

The workshops and showcase event are all free and there are still some spaces at all the workshops for anyone who might be interested in taking part.

The workshops are aimed at young people aged 14 + who have a growing interest in music but need some direction, guidance and input to show them the value of their interest.

Iain Eisner, Careers Scotland senior adviser, said: "There is no requirement for the young person to be in a band - these events hope to attract young people from many different backgrounds and are certainly not targeted at proficient musicians."

"The workshops aim to highlight the range of careers available to musicians and the range of skills required. It is also important that young people involved in the music industry appreciate that the skills developed through music can be used in many different careers, throughout their lives. We also hope to inspire the young people to make plans, increase their self-confidence but most of all we want it to be great fun!"

Over the two days, the young people will get inputs on performance, music technology and recording, visual presentation (making a DVD) and stagecraft, along with song writing. Visiting experts will give advice based on their real life experiences of the music industry.

The participants will also be able to access details of initiatives, music contacts and other programmes that may be of interest to them and their possible future involvement in music over the two day workshop.

One of the tutors who has been heavily involved in the design and delivery of the workshops, Jim Hunter, said: "If you are at all interested in music, whether it be on the playing side, or helping on the stage and technical side, these are the workshops for you."

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Careers Scotland on 01349 864914.