Hear the singer chosen as the first recipient of the Gerry Rafferty Prize, (via YouTube) below.
A singer has said he is "honoured" to become the first winner of the Gerry Rafferty Prize, a songwriting competition named after the famous Scottish musician.
Michael Cassidy, who comes from the same Renfrewshire town as Rafferty, was chosen by a judging panel that included the Baker Street singer's daughter Martha and DJ Jim Gellatly.
Rafferty, from Paisley, died in January last year after a long illness. He achieved international success with solo hits Baker Street and Right Down The Line, as well as Stuck In The Middle With You with the band Stealer's Wheel.
"It was amazing to find out I had won, and the fact that he also came from Paisley and had so much success just makes it an honour," Cassidy said.
"My mum and dad were delighted as they're of similar age to him and hold him in such high regard.
"There's also a bit of a connection as my dad played in folk bands when there was a big scene in the area and he played at some of the same gigs as Gerry Rafferty, and my uncle Joe actually played in the same band as him for a few years called the Mavericks.
"My music is influenced by all of them so hopefully that's something that came over to the judges."
The 25-year-old who supported Ben Howard on tour last year, said it was hard to define his music, but it was best described as "alternative folk with an emphasis on melody", with influences from folk singers such as Richard Thompson and John Martyn to more contemporary acts like Rufus Wainwright and Radiohead.
Martha Rafferty said she was happy to see other performers getting a platform to showcase their talent.
"I'm delighted that the legacy my father created can go on to inspire and enable another songwriter to be given a platform for their voice to be heard," she said.
"It's a long and difficult road to choose and opportunities to breakthrough are few and far between."
The singer-songwriter, who has recorded an album to be released at the end of the year, will now take time out of a summer tour to make the most of his prize of a slot at a prestigious UK songwriting festival.
The event will be held in August at Shennanton House in Dumfriesshire and will bring together musicians for a week of writing, recording and performing songs.
Those attending will also receive mentoring from the tutors of Bath Spa University's songwriting masters degree and Iain Archer, the Ivor Novello-nominated collaborator with pop group Snow Patrol.
Cassidy said: "I had a few gigs organised for August so I had to rearrange them so that I could take up the prize and go to the songwriting festival but it's no hassle as it's an amazing opportunity and one that I can hopefully make the most of."
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