The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards have unveiled the 2026 list of nominees, with trailblazing folk acts, much-loved festivals, rising stars and unsung heroes of the scene all up for recognition. An impressive roll call of talent representing the best of the best in Scotland’s thriving traditional music scene sees 94 nominees in the […]
Newsletter
Foot Stompin’ Free Scottish Music Podcast No 264 – Top 10 Trad Albums of the Year 2026
Hi all, Thanks again for listening to this Podcast. This is our busy time of the year at Hands Up for Trad as the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards have just launched and this is our special Top 10 Trad Albums of the Year podcast. If you would like to vote for your favourite […]
Sponsor a category at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026! Only Venue of the Year left.
On Saturday 5th December, the Lagoon Centre in Paisley hosts Scotland’s biggest night for traditional music. Produced by Hands Up for Trad, the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards recognise the artists, musicians and industry figures shaping Scottish traditional music and culture. This year’s line-up includes Gnoss, Valtos, Sian, Spodo Komodo, Rachel Groves (BBC Radio […]
Mòd says ‘ceud mìle taing’ to Glasgow as record-breaking festival closes
Flag is passed to Western Isles who host premier Gaelic event in 2027 Organisers of the Royal National Mòd have said ‘ceud mìle taing’ – a hundred thousands thanks – to Glasgow as a record-breaking edition of the Gaelic festival draws to a close. Nine unforgettable days of cultural celebration has seen estimated attendances of 11,500 across […]
Foot Stompin’ Free Scottish Music Podcast No 263
Hi there, Thanks for listening to the podcast. It’s a busy time for Hands Up for Trad with the launch of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards and announcement of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award finalists. Very exciting! I’ve got a selection of new, slighly older and classic tracks for you […]
Tinto Summer School 2027 – On sale now!
A residential Scottish and traditional music event for participants aged 11 (entering high school) to 17, held at Wiston Lodge. We can’t wait to welcome young musicians back to Wiston Lodge in South Lanarkshire for a week of folk and traditional music, song, fun and campfire singing. This year’s event runs from Monday 5th to Friday […]
Seachdain na Gàidhlig wins Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival at the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2026.
Mealibh ur naidheachd to everyone involved in Seachdain na Gàidhlig, which has been named winner of the Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival award at the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2026. The winners were announced at a ceremony and dinner at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Friday 9th October. The awards celebrate the best […]
Paisley prepares to celebrate MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards
Line up announced and nominations open for annual ‘folk Oscars’ Paisley is preparing to roll out the red carpet for Scotland’s traditional music stars as it is confirmed as the host of the 2026 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, with nominations open from today. The biggest awards night of the year for the country’s […]
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2027 Finalists Announced
Six exceptional musicians selected for the Celtic Connections final Following a brilliant semi-finals weekend at BBC Pacific Quay in Glasgow, we’re thrilled to announce the six finalists for the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2027. Congratulations to all twelve semi-finalists, who delivered outstanding performances and showed the remarkable depth of talent in Scotland’s […]
Job Opportunity: Scots Language Week Administrative Producer
Hands Up for Trad are luikin for an Administrative Producer tae hae a key pairt in deliverin Scots Language Week 2027 Scots Language Week is a split-new national annual celebration o the Scots leid, fundit bi the Rubric Foundation an brocht tae ye bi Hands Up for Trad pairtnerin thegither wi Scots Hoose Yaldi. Rinnin […]