FOR those in love with raw unadulterated music, there is one man who has injected a new passion into the Ayrshire music scene.

Tam Skinner is a well known name throughout the West of Scotland and the North-East of England, having created a series of venues which provide great live music on a daily basis.

And his new venture in Largs - The Victoria Hotel - is already a haven for blues, folk and rock fans - with many travelling miles just to soak up the atmosphere and bands.

Over the coming weeks and months there will a fantastic array of huge names as well as some you may not know but will be delighted to learn.

The month of July has a terrific trio of big-name visitors, namely The Stranglers' Baz Warne, Runrig's Donnie Munro and Dave Sharp of The Alarm.

Baz, the current voice of the Stranglers, is a popular visitor to Ayrshire and comes for a two night stint on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July.

Legendary Runrig frontman Donnie Munro will no doubt pack out the Vikingar! on Saturday July 25 along with Dave Sharp of the Alarm, while Dave returns to Largs the following week for a more intimate gig on July 31.

For more info keep an eye out on www.irvinetimes.com.