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 […]
Newsletter
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Trad Treats with The Brunton, Corn Exchange, Haddington this October
Two contemporary folk concerts at Corn Exchange, Haddington in October. FARA are a powerhouse in the Scottish folk music scene, igniting stages with their magnetic blend of spellbinding vocals, intricate harmonies, and driving fiddle tunes rooted in the rich tradition of the Orkney Islands. Individually they have collaborated with the cream of Scottish music, including […]
Sponsor a category at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026
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 […]
Glasgow ready to lift the curtain on greatest Gaelic cultural gathering
The trophies are being polished, dancing shoes are being dusted off, and rehearsals are underway as Glasgow gets ready to lift the curtain on the world’s greatest celebration of Scottish Gaelic, for the Royal National Mòd arriving in the city in less than two weeks’ time. The epic cultural gathering and multi-arts festival, which draws thousands to […]
Hallowe’en by Violet Jacob with Hannah Rarity
Watch Hallowe’en by Violet Jacob. Performed by Hannah Rarity and filmed by Kieran McLaughlin at the House of Dun, Hallowe’en is an expression of love and longing for a friend and son killed in action in the Great War. The House of Dun is the former hame o Violet Jacob. This film was made possible […]