Hands Up for Trad proudly announces the 2024 inductees to the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, sponsored by Fèisean nan Gàidheal. These individuals and groups have made exceptional contributions to Scottish traditional music through performance, teaching, preservation, and innovation.
The Services to Performance inductees for 2024 represent the breadth and depth of Scotland’s musical traditions:
- Richard Parkes MBE – distinguished pipe band leader whose remarkable career with Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has helped shape modern pipe band music
- JSD Band – pioneering folk-rock group who helped bridge traditional and contemporary styles in the 1970s
- Anne Martin – respected Gaelic singer from Trotternish, Skye, who has preserved and innovated within the tradition
- Billy Jolly – beloved Orkney singer and musician who championed local musical heritage
- David Cunningham Snr – acclaimed accordionist and recording studio pioneer who helped preserve countless traditional recordings
- Murdo MacDonald – renowned Gaelic singer and button box player from Lewis who carried forward the island’s rich musical traditions
- Sylvia Barnes – influential traditional singer who has shared Scottish song across the UK
Additionally, three special awards will recognise outstanding contributions to Scottish culture:
- Christine Martin receives the Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award (sponsored by TRACS) for her work in music publishing and education through Taigh na Teud
- Niteworks receives the Services to Gaelic Award (sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig) for their innovative fusion of traditional Gaelic music with electronic sounds
- Rab Wilson receives the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award (sponsored by Creative Scotland) for his contributions to Scots language and literature
The inductees and award recipients will be honoured at a special ceremony during the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024. Their collective work represents decades of dedication to preserving, promoting, and evolving Scotland’s rich musical heritage.
The Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, supported by Fèisean nan Gàidheal, continues to recognise those who have made lasting contributions to traditional music. Nominations for future inductees are welcomed from organisations and the public.
If you would like to support the work of Hands Up for Trad you can do so here.
