Divergence is a project led by Freya Rae on flute, whistles and clarinet, she is joined by clarsach player Siannie Moodie and Tim Lane on kit, percussion, sansula and the tongue drum.The trio take Freya’s own traditionally inspired melodies and twist them into sets and riffs using acoustic instruments and electronic effects. Alongside this powerhouse […]
News
National Piping Centre are recruiting a new NPC Clubs Producer!
The National Piping Centre is the UK’s leading organisation championing piping as a powerful agent for youth development. Our growing NPC Clubs programme brings young people aged 7-17 together to develop their confidence and sense of belonging through music-making activity. We are seeking a visionary and collaborative Clubs Producer who is ready to work closely […]
Take Six by Graham Mackenzie and Rory Matheson
‘Take Six’ is the new album by fiddle and piano duo Graham Mackenzie and Rory Matheson. Recorded over two days, it captures the raw intensity of live performance, each track selected from the sixth and final studio take – Take Six. Produced by Graham Mackenzie and Rory MathesonRecorded, Mixed and Mastered by Stuart Hamilton at […]
Scots to shine to Ayrshire again as details of braw awards celebration announced
Gies a Scots Poem Day saw the launch of this year’s Scots Language Awards, which will return to Ayrshire in 2025 after a successful first visit to the area last year. Taking place at Cumnock Town Hall on Saturday 13th September, the Scots Language Awards are Scotland’s annual celebration and night of recognition for all those involved in the promotion of […]
Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame Services to Community 2025 Inductees Announced
Dr Paul Murray by Louis DeCarlo Hands Up for Trad proudly announces the 2025 inductees to the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame Services to Community section, sponsored by Fèisean nan Gàidheal. These exceptional individuals have dedicated their lives to nurturing, teaching, and sustaining Scotland’s traditional music heritage through selfless service to their communities. The […]
Traditional Music Forum Autumn Workshops 2025
Professional Development Opportunities for Traditional Musicians Essential Skills Workshops Our workshops offer invaluable insights and practical guidance to help you succeed in the traditional music landscape today. Whether you want to learn how to record and release your music, craft a successful funding application, organise a tour, or take control of your finances – these […]
MG ALBA’s Margaret Cameron receives special recognition at RTS Scotland Awards
Meal do naidheachd (congratulations) to Margaret Cameron, a long time friend of Hands Up for Trad and the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. The Royal Television Society (RTS) Scotland hosted its annual awards ceremony on Friday (6 June) where Margaret Cameron, director of content at MG ALBA, was honoured with the prestigious RTS Scotland […]
Introducing the Distil Meet-Up Series 2025/2026
For over twenty years, Hands Up for Trad’s Distil project has been pioneering creative development for traditional musicians across Scotland. Through residential workshops, mentoring, and collaboration with leading ensembles like Mr McFall’s Chamber, Distil has empowered hundreds of musicians to develop compositional confidence and improvisational skills, creating new works that bridge traditional and contemporary music. […]
Cosmic Joe by Àirdan
Cosmic Joe is the title track from Àirdan’s highly anticipated debut album “Cosmic”. This crowd favourite is Àirdan at full throttle: two original reels packed with energy that capture the spirit of the band’s dynamic trad sound. Lively, heartfelt, and brimming with originality, Cosmic is a celebration of tradition, creativity and new musical horizons. The […]
Showcase Scotland Expo Opportunity Application Form – Scotland Introducing / English Folk Expo 2026
Scotland Introducing Scotland Introducing is a new initiative designed to introduce artists to new audiences across England. This follows on from the year-long Scotland Unwrapped at Kings Place, the focus at Cambridge Folk Festival and the Visit delivered for the English market which were all delivered last year. Showcase Scotland Expo understands England is an […]