‘Hold On Tight’ by Magnus Turpie Combo is a lively mixture of dance sets and classic songs. It features a cast of many well known artists with Magnus Turpie taking the lead on accordion throughout. It is presented in a plastic-free 6 part cardboard wallet featuring content about the band, some personal artwork by Magnus […]
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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.creditsreleased June 13, 2025 Graham Mackenzie – FiddleRory Matheson – Piano Produced by Graham Mackenzie […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
Sian Announce Second Album ‘araon’
Gaelic vocal group Sian have announced their highly-anticipated second album, ‘araon’. The first single from the album, ‘Seo a’ Bhliadhna’, will be released on Friday 30 May 2025. The song is a traditional lament with connections to the Isle of Skye and Raasay, and particularly the MacLean family. ‘Seo a’ Bhliadhna’ features guest musicians James Lindsay and Charlie Stewart. […]
Folk Talent at St Magnus Festival 2025
The St Magnus International Festival returns to Orkney this June for its 49th year, bringing together exceptional folk musicians against the backdrop of the islands’ stunning midsummer landscape. This year’s folk programme is especially strong, with a brilliant mix of local legends, boundary-pushers, and intimate, collaborative gigs, spanning generations and geographies. This year’s folk programme celebrates […]