Young performers with a passion for traditional music and a sense of adventure are being invited to apply for one of Scotland’s most sought-after summer opportunities. Fèis Rois has opened applications for its prestigious 2026 Ceilidh Trail, offering 16 – 25-year-olds the chance to tour the country, learn from leading artists, and gain unrivalled professional […]
Newsletter
One of the most northerly festivals in the UK, the St Magnus International Festival looks to the skies as it celebrates its 50th edition in midsummer 2026.
Set in the magical Orkney islands off the north coast of Scotland, St Magnus International Festival is preparing a special programme to celebrate its 50th edition next summer. Festival Director, composer Alasdair Nicolson, is bringing together a festival that marks this golden milestone inspired by the theme of ‘Air’ reflecting on breath, sound, wind, flight and freedom. Across music, theatre, […]
Sessions and Sail 2026 Scottish Bursary Scheme now open
Sessions and Sail are delighted to announce that applications for their 2026 Scottish Bursary Scheme are now open. The scheme offers six fully-funded places for folk musicians to join one of their Scottish voyages for free, including food, accommodation and musical tuition. The bursary is designed to support folk musicians who might not usually have […]
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) grows as 2026 programme launched
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events. Taking place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026, the annual initiative is this year supporting 63 projects and events, with hundreds more expected to be staged across the week. Applications for […]
Tinto Summer School 2026 – open for bookings!
A residential Scottish and Traditional music event for 11 (entering high school) – 17 year old participants. Held at Wiston Lodge. We look forward to welcoming participants aged 11 (entering high school) – 17 back to Wiston Lodge (South Lanarkshire) for a great week of folk and traditional music, song, fun and campfire song! The dates are Monday […]
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Hands Up for Trad!
As 2025 draws to a close, we want to extend our warmest wishes to everyone who has been part of our incredible year. To all our partners, performers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters — thank you for making this such a brilliant year for Scottish traditional music and culture. What a year it’s been! From the […]
Trad music’s brightest stars honoured at MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025
The vibrant world of Scottish traditional music celebrated its brightest stars and leading lights at the 23rd annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Aberdeen last night. The event recognised an outstanding array of artists, projects and organisations for their significant contributions to preserving and advancing Scotland’s rich cultural heritage through music. This year’s […]
Top of the trad charts: Music award nominees unveiled as voting opens. THIS SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER!
Talent from all corners of the Scottish folk and traditional music scene have been named among the nominees for this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Around 100 nominees have been shortlisted across 22 categories as the biggest award ceremony celebrating Scotland’s traditional music scene embarks on its 23rd edition. Much-loved venues, stand-out events, […]
BBC ALBA’s Hogmanay Ceilidh to Broadcast live from Glasgow
BBC ALBA will bring together some of Gaelic music’s biggest names as Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire returns to Glasgow to celebrate Hogmanay and usher in 2026. Govan Town Hall, on the banks of the Clyde, is the venue for the iconic live cèilidh which will be hosted by Cathy MacDonald and Niall Iain Macdonald and will be […]
What a Night at the Scots Fiddle Festival for Strathspey and Surreal!
What an incredible evening of music at the Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh! The Strathspey and Surreal Fiddle Orchestra returned to the Scots Fiddle Festival stage on Saturday 15th November and delivered a truly memorable performance. (Listen below) All 13 musicians performed absolutely brilliantly, bringing energy, skill and passion to new arrangements of classic Scottish tunes including […]