An up-and-coming Scottish band have enjoyed a spike in new fans - after finding an unlikely fan in actor Robert Carlyle.

Slopes, from Kilmarnock, couldn’t believe their luck when a music and Carlyle superfan named Karen tweeted the Trainspotting star recommending the rock and rap group.

Carlyle, aged 55, from Glasgow, replied to Karen’s tweet and said: “Sounding good lads.”

As well as this, he mentioned author Irvine Welsh also, adding: “Check them.”

Leith-born Welsh, 59, replied: “@robertcarlyle_ Will do bro.”

Slopes, who had not been posting as frequently on their social media pages in recent weeks, took to Twitter in disbelief.

Quick to show off their big moment in the spotlight, the band said: “We’ve been quiet lately. But today has been pretty cool. Boab Carlyle has been listening to our tunes.”

Welcoming their new fans, Slopes added: “Who knew someone tweeting @robertcarlyle about us would have led 2 such an influx of new followers. Hi new followers.”

Formed in 2014, Slopes is made up of five members; James Mcmaster, Paul Milligan, Chris McQuade, Jonathan Currie, and Marty McMaster.

Milligan, 27, told the Kilmarnock Standard: “It was great that he got back to [Karen] about us, but to list what he thought were our influences shows he really listened.

“To hit up Irvine Welsh about us was just the kicker.”

The group members have listed their future plans on their website, and said: “After spending the last few years playing live shows, around West Central Scotland - including playing MugStock festival and the infamous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut a number of times - we are currently working on our first studio album and hope to go on tour around the UK in 2018.”