Internationally acclaimed saxophonist Tommy Smith will play a solo concert in Dunfermline Abbey next month.

The Edinburgh-born musician, who has maintained a presence on the world’s jazz scene since he toured as a teenager with vibes virtuoso Gary Burton, performed there two years ago and was so taken by the experience that he’s returning at the first opportunity.

“The first thing that struck me was the quality of the Abbey’s acoustics,” said Tommy, now 54, who combines his playing career with his role as head of jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

“It was also inspiring to play just in front of the tomb of Robert the Bruce, who is a hero of mine and whose aura, for me, lent a special magic to the occasion.”

For his Dunfermline concert he plans to play tunes from the jazz, folk, Gaelic singing and praise song traditions.

“I see these church concerts as a celebration of melody,” he said.

“They might also be seen as a chance for contemplation as people think about what we’ve been through over the past 18 months and get to enjoy the possibility of being able to share live music events again after the enforced silence.

"There won’t be any amplification, just the natural sound of the saxophone. I’m really looking forward to playing in the Abbey again because it has such a wonderful atmosphere.”

The Dunfermline concert follows performances in cathedrals in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dunblane and Lichfield in recent weeks.

The idea for solo concerts goes back to when he inadvertently made his solo debut at the first Islay Jazz Festival in 1999.

Tommy was set to duet but drummer Tom Bancroft missed his ferry and the organisers suggested that he could entertain everyone while they waited.

“That was a baptism of fire,” he recalled.

“I just had to wing it and fortunately nobody threw anything at me.

"Thankfully Tom arrived eventually and everyone seemed quite happy. I’ve since made a solo album in Hamilton Mausoleum, which has a 15 seconds delay, and the solo concerts recently have been going very well. I’m really enjoying them.”

As well as teaching, he's also been busy in his role as director of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.

Tommy edited a series of six videos that were posted online at regular intervals and has just produced the orchestra’s new album, Where Rivers Meet, while also preparing for its return to live performances.

The concert in Dunfermline Abbey will start at 3pm on Sunday November 7.