Hands Up for Trad proudly announces the 2025 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 2025 represent the breadth and depth of Scotland’s musical traditions:
Andrew Rankine – accomplished accordionist and dance band leader whose 38-year career and rigorous dedication to his craft made him a respected figure in Scottish dance music, serving as a proud ambassador for Scotland’s musical culture in California
Colin MacLellan – world-class piper, educator and administrator whose influence spans continents, from leading the Glengarry Pipe Band through the grades in Canada to establishing groundbreaking piping education programmes in Scotland and reforming competitive piping structures
Dr Steve Forman – internationally renowned percussionist who worked with artists from David Bowie to Pink Floyd before bringing his expertise to Scotland, engaging deeply with traditional music sessions and developing innovative rhythm theory education at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Elspeth Cowie – distinguished traditional singer and advocate who learned from tradition bearers like Lizzie Higgins, served as National Organiser of the Traditional Music and Song Association, and ran Folk at the Tron during Edinburgh’s vibrant 1990s folk scene
Iain MacDonald (Neilson) – pioneering piper who participated in the 1970s folk revival with Battlefield Band and other groups, led the Neilston & District Pipe Band to international recognition, and was instrumental in founding the Lowland & Border Pipers’ Society
Sprangeen – groundbreaking all-women ensemble from 1980s Edinburgh whose innovative arrangements and unique instrumentation brought fresh creative energy to Scottish traditional music, with members going on to form influential groups including Sileas and The Poozies
Additionally, three special awards will recognise outstanding contributions to Scottish culture:
David Francis receives the Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award (sponsored by TRACS) for his decades of dedication to Scottish traditional music through performance, organisational work including his involvement with Traditional Music Forum, Tracs, Hands Up for Trad and The World’s Room, and his commitment to fostering the conviviality and community spirit that sustains the tradition
Professor Boyd Robertson receives the Services to Gaelic Award (sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig) for his exceptional lifetime contributions to Gaelic language, education and culture, including his leadership as Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, his pivotal role in establishing Gaelic-medium education in Glasgow in 1985, and his extensive work with numerous Gaelic agencies and bodies that have shaped the development and promotion of the language across Scotland and internationally
Gerda Stevenson receives the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award (sponsored by Creative Scotland) for her exceptional contributions to the Scots language through poetry, prose, drama, and performance, including her acclaimed collections “Quines” and “Cat Wumman,” her pioneering work in making Scots accessible to diverse audiences, and her multifaceted career as an award-winning writer, actor, director, and singer-songwriter that has demonstrated the vitality and versatility of Scots across multiple artistic forms
These Services to Performance inductees and special award recipients follow the announcement of the Services to Community 2025 inductees: Andrew Yearley, Kate, Malcolm Gillies, Paul Murray, and Sharon Hassan, who were recognised for their tireless dedication to nurturing, teaching, and sustaining Scotland’s traditional music heritage through selfless service to their communities.
All inductees and award recipients will be honoured at a special civic reception hosted by Aberdeen City Council during the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on 6th December at Aberdeen Music Hall. 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.