Some of Scotland's biggest events organisers are thought to be vying to stage one of the biggest concerts in Scotland next year.
Up to £1.2 million of public money is to be ploughed into a gala party to herald the arrival of the Ryder Cup golf tournament in Scotland.
Leading performers in pop, rock, folk and classical music are expected to feature, among them violinist Nicola Benedetti and folk singer Julie Fowlis. Scottish and international stars of film, fashion and culture are also expected to be showcased.
The name of company that will run the concert at Glasgow's 12,000-seat Hydro Arena next September is due to be announced soon. Scotland's DF Concerts, which runs T in the Park, and Unique Events, which organises Edinburgh's Hogmanay, are believed to be interested.
Whichever company is awarded the contract will be tasked with delivering a "spectacular event that will showcase Scotland to a global audience".
The concert is expected to be the most expensive of the Homecoming Year 2014, which coincides with the Scottish independence referendum and the year of 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.
However, a spokesman for EventScotland dismissed suggestions the Ryder Cup opening concert was aiming to outdo the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2014, which take place in Glasgow next July.
The 2014 organisers will spend £14m on the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games, with an estimated one bil-lion people worldwide watching the opening at Celtic Park.
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