TWO of Scotland's best new bands will be given the chance to join Paolo Nutini on stage for Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations.

The Paisley singer has launched a competition to find two unknown acts to perform as part of the Scottish capital's new year extravaganza.

Nutini is the headline act for the Concert in the Gardens on December 31 as well as a new Night Afore Concert on December 30.

He has chosen Scottish band Frightened Rabbit to support him on the 30th while Liverpool's The Lightning Seeds will join the Hogmanay line-up, and Paisley four-piece The Vegan Leather will perform at both concerts to audiences of more than 19,000.

Bands from across Scotland are being asked to submit new music with a top five to be hand-picked by Nutini and entered into an online public vote to select the winners.

He said: "It doesn't have to be the music I make or a certain sound, it's good to jump around. If someone gets loads of votes you can't deny that.

"The main thing is it has to be a band who are new and fresh, and wouldn't otherwise find themselves in that situation.

"I am a believer and supporter of new music, I am trying more so than ever to support anything good."

Frightened Rabbit said: "We're thrilled to have been invited to play with Paolo in the incredible setting of Princes Street Gardens. Looking forward to getting everyone ramped up for Hogmanay."

Ian Broudie, from The Lightning Seeds, added: "I've often seen Hogmanay in Edinburgh on the TV and the atmosphere looks amazing, and it's going be brilliant to sample it for myself on the night. Also great to be playing with Paolo Nutini. "

Submissions for the Hog the Stage competition open at 10am on Monday at edinburghshogmanay.com.

The final batch of tickets for the Night Afore Concert and Concert in the Gardens will also be available from the same time priced between £55 to £65.