The Cumnock Tryst has opened applications for its first-ever International Summer-School for Composers in Cumnock.

The residential intensive school is inviting worldwide applications from composers aged between 18 and 30.

The eight selected participants will have the opportunity to work individually with Sir James MacMillan, founder and artistic director at the Tryst, and composer Anna Thorvaldstottir.

The summer school is scheduled to be held from August 4 to August 10 at Dumfries House.

The Tryst says the culmination of the learning experience will be a public performance at Dumfries House on August 10, led by a professional ensemble which will showcase a string ensemble and contrabass clarinet.

The ensemble, according to the Tryst, is comprised of instrumentalists such as Gordon Bragg (violin), Ruth Gibson (viola), Christian Elliott (cello) and Contrabass Clarinet (Scott Lygate).

The ensemble will be on hand to work with the composers throughout the week.

Sir James, who was raised in Cumnock, has a musical style with inspiration drawn from his connections to Scottish heritage, Celtic folk music, his Catholic faith, and social conscience, with elements borrowed from Far Eastern, Scandinavian and Eastern European music.

Ms Thorvaldstottir is internationally recognised as a top contemporary composer whose music is influenced by nature, creates a sonic ecosystem, where sound materials morph and evolve.

Applications will be accepted until 5pm GMT on February 23.

For more information, go to tinyurl.com/4dmdenzk.