FAMED West Kilbride violinist Nicola Benedetti has announced her first programme as director of the Edinburgh International Festival.

Remarkably, the Grammy award-winning musician is the first Scot to hold the post.

She has promised to bring the highest quality performances, to the broadest possible audience.

Among the thousands of artists taking part in this year's festival are Alison Goldfrapp, Anoushka Shankar, John Cale, Matthew Herbert and Sir Andras Schiff.

The Edinburgh International Festival runs from August 4-27.

Nicola told the BBC: "I know the audiences and people of Scotland as I've been playing and talking to them my whole life.

"The greatest things should not be kept to ourselves. I understand why some people don't feel comfortable.

"We have to harness our storytelling as a festival, and make it as relatable as possible to everyone and anyone from all walks of life. I want the Summer of 2023 to feel personal."

Nicola, 35, started playing violin at the age of four and by the time she was eight, was leader of the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain.

By the age of nine, she had already passed the eight grades of musical examinations while attending Wellington School in Ayr, and aged 10, she began to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School for young musicians.

She shot to international fame after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year title in 2004.