This Saturday December 17th 2005,  Mad Hatters on Church Street Inverness will play host to the official launch of Scotloads the first digital distribution site devoted entirely too promoting Scottish musicians. Set up by Chris Rasdale and David Carus the download service gives independent artists of all genres the opportunity to sell their music world-wide.

A host of featured artists whose music is available from the site will take part including Edinburgh based groove trio Gecko 3 who feature Marty Philip on vocals/guitar, Paul Gilbody on double bass and Hugh Martin on drums.

The band have performed around the world including locations such as New York, London, France and Germany and have also enjoyed highlights such as playing the legendary Ronnie Scott's jazz club in Soho with KT Tunstall as their guest vocalist and London's Kashmir Klub as KT's backing band, Marty and Paul would go on to sing backing vocals on her Mercury nominated album 'Eye to the Telescope’.

Also on the bill are the hip hop duo DJ Default MC and Solareye Samurai collectively known as D.o.P.E. Soundsystem who offer quite possibly the best beats and rhymes coming out of Scotland’s Hip Hop scene, this will be their first performance in Inverness since the NEMIS John Peel tribute night back in 2004 although their frequent performances at the Robotone events in Dingwall have gained them a large following in the Highlands.

More acts are to be confirmed however the night will kick off with a special set from Navajo one of the top acoustic acts from the Glasgow area and the organisers of the popular Free Candy Sessions at The Liquid Ship, Glasgow.

The event is free entry and will also give musicians a chance to come along and meet the Scotloads team, contact david@scotloads.co.uk or visit www.scotloads.co.uk  for more info.