Shortlist announced for 'Hog the Stage' final

Five Scottish bands have been shortlisted from a pool of 150 entrants, spanning the four corners of Scotland, to compete in the inaugural year of Hog the Stage.

The new initiative, which seeks to find an unsigned act to play Edinburgh's forthcoming Hogmanay street party celebrations, will see Pooch, Come on Gang!, Jakil, Kitty the Lion and The Stagger Rats participate in a live concert final at the HMV Picture House on Sunday, 21 November.

Attendees will be given a vote to cast, with BBC Scotland’s Vic Galloway, our own Music Editor Dave Kerr, Ed Stack of Ten Tracks, plus one more special guest judge in the ranks on the night. Tickets are available here.

"The response to Hog the Stage has been phenomenal," say Unique Events, co-organisers of the event alongside Leith Records. "The quality of the entries highlights just how many great Scottish bands there are emerging across the country. A big thanks to everyone who entered."

The victor will be awarded a coveted slot on a bill alongside homegrown heavyweights Biffy Clyro, Madchester godfathers The Charlatans, German house duo Booka Shade and more as-yet-to-be-announced acts.