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 […]
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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 […]
Dundee Musicians’ Award
Applications Now Open for The Dundee Musicians’ Award. Staged by Leisure & Culture Dundee it was established in 2008 to support the work of outstanding Dundee-based musicians. Awards from £500 -£1000. The Award was established in 2008 to support the work of outstanding Dundee-based musicians by awarding grants towards the costs involved in creating new […]
Glèidh an là! Buain, cruinneachadh nan ealain Gàidhlig | Save the Date for Buain, a Gaelic arts gathering
Glèidh an là! Buain, cruinneachadh nan ealain Gàidhlig Comharraichidh sinn ealain is cultar na Gàidhlig agus a’ cruthachadh àite far am faod luchd-ealain, -cleachdaidh agus -leasachaidh na Gàidhlig a’ bruidhinn, ag èisteachd ri agus a bhith air an cluinntinn sa Ghàidhlig. ’S e a tha anns an tachartas seo cothrom do luchd-ealain agus luchd-leasachaidh an lùib […]
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026 Now Open for Applications
Following the tremendous success of last year’s competition, which saw Ellie Beaton crowned the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2025, we’re delighted to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 award. Any singer or instrumentalist aged between 18 and 27 can apply and be in the chance of winning […]