MALINKY, the young Scottish folk-song group, will play the National Centre for Early Music, York, on October 23 at 7.30pm.

Looking forward to their return to York, Black Swan Folk Club promoter Roland Walls says: "Malinky first emerged at the Celtic Connections Festival in 1999 as winners of the Danny Kyle Open Stage award. At a time when most new Scottish bands were focusing on instrumental sounds, their song-centred repertoire marked them out as special.

"Their burgeoning reputation was consolidated by the magnificent 2002 album Three Ravens, while their equal prowess on the live stage was confirmed for us when they gave an excellent night at the NCEM in 2004.

"At that time, Karine Polwart and Leo McCann were members.

When Karine's solo career took off, some thought it spelled the end for the band, but they bounced back majestically with another fine album in late 2005, The Unseen Hours, featuring new members Fiona Hunter and Ewan MacPherson."

Tickets cost £12, concessions £10, on 01904 658338.