This year's Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has received a £100,000 boost from the Scottish government.

The fund will be used to support the formation of the Edinburgh Jazz Festival Orchestra.

For the first time, 16 Scottish, European and American musicians will come together to perform new and classic pieces at the festival.

The money will also be used to present the Scottish Jazz Expo and support a commissioned arrangement honouring Robert Burns and jazz pianist David Milligan.

Commenting on the funding, Scottish culture minister Michael Russell described the orchestra as "an ambitious and exciting new project".

He explained that the project could "strengthen the interest in Scotland's vibrant music scene from international fans, venue bookers and artists".

Mr Russell also added: "It is wonderfully fitting that Scotland's greatest jazz export, Joe Temperley, is making a true homecoming journey this year as he returns to mark his 80th birthday."

This year's festival is set to take place between July 31st and August 9th.