The winners o the Scots Language Awards 2026, organised by Hands Up for Trad, hae been annooncet at a ceremony at Dundee’s Discovery Point. The event, which wis a sell oot, cam efter a record public vote. The awards gie honour tae the individuals, organisations and communities wha yaise Scots – ane o the three indigenous leids o […]
Newsletter
From the kitchen to the stadium – local, national, and international challenges and opportunities. Trad Talk 2026
Trad Talk 2026From Local to InternationalSat 7 Nov | 10.30am – 4.30pmThe Tolbooth, Stirling Trad Talk is the Traditional Music Forum of Scotland‘s (TMFS) flagship annual gathering, bringing together performers, educators, promoters, and enthusiasts from across the traditional music community. This event creates space for meaningful dialogue on issues facing our sector. This year’s theme is From Local […]
European Folk Day: Live discussion on the New National Company for traditional music
Join us on European Folk Day, Wednesday 23 September at 2pm, for a live broadcast across our social media channels discussing the proposed New National Company for traditional music. The conversation will be chaired by David Francis, who has been closely involved in discussions on this subject for many years, and will bring together different […]
Foot Stompin’ Free Scottish Music Podcast No 262
Hi there! Ciamar a tha thu? Hope you are well. The Foot Stompin’ Podcast is back for the September edition with yet more new and classic releases. Fair bit of Hands Up for Trad news at the moment including the announcement of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Semi-Finalists, Battle of the Folk Bands and […]
Traitors star Stephen Libby to co-host Hoolie as Scottish heroes line up for Hydro night
Call for community champions to be part of Local Hero celebrations Trad music Faithfuls will be lining up for Hoolie in the Hydro this December as Traitors winner Stephen Libby takes on hosting duties alongside fellow Hebridean star Julie Fowlis. Stephen, from the Isle of Lewis, will be swapping the Round Table for the OVO […]
Largs Folk Nights: three brilliant acts coming to the coast
Live folk music by the sea returns to Largs this autumn and winter, with three not-to-be-missed nights at Halkshill Bowling Club. Sunday 25 October — Anna MassieAward-winning folk musician and radio presenter. Sunday 22 November — LussaContemporary Scottish folk quartet. Sunday 20 December — Tim EdeyAcclaimed multi-instrumentalist and composer. Doors open at 2:30pm, with music […]
Cèilidh le Na Cormacks aig a’ Mhòd (Ceilidh with the Cormack’s at the Mòd)
Join Arthur, Ruairidh, Eilidh and Iain Cormack, with five Mòd Gold Medals between them, for en evening of Gaelic song, music and fun at this year’s Royal National Mòd in the New Auditorium at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday 10 October at 7.30pm. They will be joined by very special guests, the talented […]
Announcing the Distil Meet-Up Series 2026/2027 – Tom Bancroft 24th September
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. […]
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Scots Fiddle Festival.
Join them at The Pleasance in Edinburgh from 20-22 November as they celebrate their 30th birthday. Launched in 1996 with the aim of promoting and sustaining traditional Scots fiddle music, the Festival brings people together every year from all over the world – both performers and audience members – and continues to inspire thousands of […]
Battle of The Folk Bands 2027 – Open for Entries
Hands Up for Trad are inviting bands to send in a demo to take part in The Battle of the Folk Bands 2027 competition to be held at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival on Saturday January 30th 2027 at 1pm. FILL IN THE FORM BELOW If you are in a band or have an idea for […]