Aberdeen has been unveiled as this year’s host location for the 2025 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards – the biggest award ceremony celebrating Scotland’s traditional music scene – as nominations open today. Taking place on Saturday 6th December, the ‘folk Oscars’ as they are fondly known, will showcase and applaud those at the heart […]
Newsletter
Battle of The Folk Bands 2026 – 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 2026 competition to be held at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival on Saturday January 31st 2026 at 1pm. FILL IN THE FORM BELOW If you are in a band or have an idea for […]
Come Along to the Distil Rehearsal Room this Monday 6th October, Scottish Music Centre, Glasgow
Monday 6th October | 10am–3:30pm | Scottish Music Centre, Glasgow You’re invited to watch something special – a day of rehearsals where brand new music is explored and tried out. Five traditional musicians – Bede Paterson, Sophie Rocks, Rhona Smith, Laura Penman, and Miguel Girao – have each written a short piece of music for […]
Largs Folk Nights
Founded in 2017 by Scottish fiddle player Hayley Keenan, Largs Folk Nights was created to bring live folk music to the local community and offer a welcoming space where audiences and musicians come together to celebrate Scotland’s rich musical traditions. After returning in 2025, the club has gone from strength to strength, offering friendly, intimate […]
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to “use it, or lose it”
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) will return for its fifth edition in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It (Cleachd i no caill i) – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry. The Gaelic language will be celebrated from 23rd February – 1st March 2026 as the […]
Caledonian Fiddle Orchestra – new session 2025 / 2026
Play The Fiddle, Accordion, Bass, Piano, Flute, Drums Or Guitar? We’d Love To See You At Rehearsal! Rehearsal: Tuesday 7-9pm October – April Glasgow Gaelic School147 Berkeley St,Glasgow G3 7HP https://callyfiddle.com
One month until Lochaber welcomes the world’s biggest Gaelic event as competitor numbers rise
One month from now, the bustling Highland hub of Lochaber will welcome the world’s largest event celebrating Gaelic language and culture when the Royal National Mòd arrives – and participation in the prestigious event is set to rise. Taking place from 10 – 18 October 2025, the Scottish cultural extravaganza is expected to welcome up to 10,000 competitors, […]
“The pride o’ Scotland”: Scots Language Awards 2025 winners celebrate success
The winners of the Scots Language Awards 2025 have been announced at a celebration of Scotland’s indigenous language held at Discovery Point in Dundee. Figures from literature, education, business, and the community were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the Scots leid in everyday life. The seventh annual awards saw writers, teachers, businesses, charities and creatives recognised […]
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026 Semi-Finalists Announced
Following a competitive selection process, the twelve semi-finalists have been announced for the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026. These exceptional young artists, representing a diverse range of traditional Scottish instruments and vocal traditions, will compete for the prestigious title and the opportunity to launch their careers in traditional music. The Semi Finals […]
Over 200 musicians set to light up the Highlands from Applecross to Arisaig as Blas Festival kicks off this weekend
The Highlands will come alive with traditional music as one of Scotland’s top festivals kicks off with over 200 musicians, of all ages, taking to the stage across the Highlands from Friday. Running from 5th– 13th September, the 21st Blas Festival will feature some of the finest traditional musicians from Scotland and Ireland, including acclaimed artists Julie […]