Following a first round in June, the final of Nairns Young Musician Competition will open the 2025 Nairn Book and Arts Festival. In partnership between the festival and the Rotary Club of Nairn with support from Music Nairn, this live showcase celebrates local talent aged 8-18 across genres including classical, folk, jazz and pop. Finalists will compete for cash prizes, trophies donated by Music Nairn and the opportunity to perform at the Rotary Charity Concert in November. All will also receive tickets to that evenings concert by Kenna Ross once a rising young star of Nairn herself and now forging a successful career as a pianist. Judging the final are three respected figures from the music world: Christopher Josey, an internationally acclaimed opera and concert tenor, now a vocal tutor based in Aviemore; Alison Mackenzie, founder of the award-nominated Croy Live and former Principal Teacher of Music; and D James Ross, a well-known local performer and director of ensembles from early music to cabaret. Join us in celebrating our young local talent!