NINE up-and-coming acts are set to battle it out for a place in the final of this year's 'Make Your Mark' competition.

The contest, organised by PJ Molloys and supported by the Mary Leishman Foundation, offers unsigned artists the chance to win a number of fantastic prizes and a launch-pad to the next level in their careers.

The Mary Leishman Foundation, which aims to encourage potential and ease distress, are offering £5000 to the winners and additional prizes include Scottish Tour Recording time at SubStation Studios, an EP pressed for physical release and an EP Launch night at PJ Molloys, which will also include a live recording, a new band logo designed by a graphic designer and a professional band photo-shoot.

Last year's inaugural contest attracted around 30 entries from across Scotland, with West Fife stars Oskar going on to claim the top prize.

The first of three semi-finals will take place tomorrow (Friday) at the Canmore Street venue, featuring Edinburgh blues/rock band Fight Robots Fight, Dunfermline Press Community Champions Moonlight Zoo and singer Amy Rayner.

Calum Traynor of PJ Molloys said: "Make Your Mark is an initiative launched last year and it was very successful in creating a great buzz in the music scene, and also gained some fantastic press throughout and after the campaign. Local band Oskar were the winners, who went on to release their debut EP and support the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen and Fatherson at PJ Molloys.

The winner will gain invaluable help, assistance, experience and some great prizes to boot!"

Two more semi-finals will take place on Friday February 12 and Friday February 26, featuring Lost in Vancouver, Wolves, Rising Pacific, Jack Wardell, The Mona Lisa's and Sons of Peaches.

The Press is delighted to be media partner for the competition and will be highlighting the campaign over the coming weeks.

Doors for tomorrow's semi-final open from 9pm and entry is free.