Jailhouse Scots rock in Milton of Campsie musician's unique record label

Ryan Kershaw, who lives in Lanarkshire with his wife and two young daughters, served six months in jail after ordering a pepper spray online.

The 37-year-old, who always had his heart set on being an artist, put his ambitions to one side to focus on family life.

It wasn’t until he found himself in prison that the singer and songwriter began, once again, to work on his music.

He said: “Ordering the spray was a moment of madness. I had no intention of using it and actually cancelled the order. I used my own name and address for the purchase so wasn’t hiding anything but it suddenly dawned on me it might be illegal.

"As a result, I found myself somewhere I thought I would never be and my life was turned upside down.

"One thing I had inside though was time and, after I was released, I had body of new material. Then I read about Conviction Records in the media."

Conviction Records, set up at the end of last year by Jill, was established to give a voice to people who have been through the criminal justice system, and want to turn their lives around.

Jill said: “As soon as I heard Ryan’s music I knew he had something special. It stopped me in my tracks."

Jill works closely with American based A&R expert, Eric McLellan, who is in charge of finding artists for the label, and has signed US acts such as Deniro Farrar and Delta Rae.

Eric added: “Ryan is a really great, honest songwriter and when I heard his music Bob Dylan came to mind.”

This week sees the launch of a crowdfunder to enable Ryan to record his first EP. Titled ‘Conviction Records’ Take-Off’, 60 passengers are sought for the maiden flight in three tiers. Specially-designed boarding passes have been created by Dunfermline artist, Alan Grieve.

Jill has conducted music workshops in HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow for 10 years and her experiences inspired her to start the label.

To donate to the crowdfunder visit: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/conviction-records-takeoff