Three up-and-coming Highland bands are supporting the group being hailed as the "next Oasis" at a series of gigs in the Highlands and Islands next weekend.

'Tailgunner' are fronted by ex-Oasis producer Mark Coyle, who formed the group with none other than Noel Gallagher, who performs on the band's debut album. Mark was also the man behind Oasis multi-platinum 'Definitely Maybe' album.

The Scottish tour represents Tailgunner's first tentative steps out of studio since their formation over a year ago and they have chosen to play a series of low-key gigs, supported by local bands, to break in the band's new line-up.

For their debut tour, Tailgunner have teamed up with Ullapool-based promoter Rob Hicks and HI-Arts, the arts development agency for the Highlands and Islands. HI-Arts, with funding from the Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Fund, are responsible for the three year MIDAS initiative, which aims to develop the music industry in the Highlands and Islands.

The MIDAS scheme has a programme which aims to give young bands the opportunity to work with professional musicians, who can help them with their career. As part of this programme, MIDAS is underwriting the cost of the local bands participating in Tailgunner's tour. If this pilot approach is succesful it may be used again to try and let young bands share a stage with some of the biggest names in the music business.

Tailgunner play their first Highland gig in the Portree Community Centre on Friday 4th August with Kyle of Lochalsh-based band 'Trudge Euphoria' and Derby-based group 'Pala' supporting them. This concert is due to be broadcast live on the NME website, providing a global audience for the local musicians.

Trudge Euphoria formed in 1998 at Thurso Music College and have recorded two albums. Their celtic indie sound has secured them a loyal following in the Highlands and the title track of their latest album 'The Face That' has received considerable airplay on BBC Radio Scotland's 'Celtic Connections'.

On Saturday 5th August the spotlight will be on young Nairn band 'Rhubarb', who came together just over a year ago, and cite influences from Radiohead to Steps. The group has already released a debut album 'Touch the Sky' and have played extensively throughout the Highlands but Saturday's gig with Tailgunner however will be their biggest and potentially most important to date.

Finally on Sunday in Inverness, the 'Lush Rollers' will take to the stage before Tailgunner at Blue. With country, jazz and blues influences the Lush Rollers have gone from strength to strength since getting together two and a half years ago, having made appearances at T in the Park, the Edinburgh Festival and Celtic Connections.

The group has been described as "Inverness's most likely band to succeed" and a gig with Tailgunner could be the springboard to success that they are looking for.

Promoter Rob Hicks said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Lush Rollers, Rhubarb and Trudge Euphoria. They are three very talented young bands and the practical experience and knowledge they are set to gain from supporting Tailgunner on their forthcoming tour, will set them on the right track for a future career in the music business.

"The gigs are also a chance for the bands, who have a loyal following in the Highlands, to gain some national exposure."

Tailgunner manager, Andrew McDermid said: "The guys wanted to play some low key gigs for their first ever tour and were very keen to use local bands as support acts."

MIDAS director Ian Hamilton said: "There is a wealth of musical talent in the Highlands and Islands and the MIDAS project is responsible for making sure that talent gets noticed. We want to get young bands on stage with professional musicians who they can learn from in order to develop their own careers.

"The project with Tailgunner is only a pilot but if it proves successful we hope to attract more big names north and encourage them to use local talent as warm-up acts."