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 […]
Newsletter
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 […]
Blazin’ in Biggar 7th & 8th June 2025
A sister fiddle school to the well established Blazin’ in Beauly, Blazin’ Fiddles are delighted to be back with the fourth Blazin’ in Biggar in 2025! Scottish fiddle super group Blazin’ Fiddles are at the forefront of Scottish fiddle tuition as they continue to deliver sell-out workshops, masterclasses and concerts in the heart of the […]
Gaelic and Scots Song workshops at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
Sat 7 June | 11am – 12.30pm Gaelic Waulking Songs with Katie Macfarlane Suitable for both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers, this workshop will focus on Scottish Gaelic songs that were used in the tradition of “waulking” the tweed – songs which were primarily composed and sung by women. Sat 7 June | 1.30 – 3pm […]