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 […]
Newsletter
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 […]
LILT AN SCRIEVE – Course for new an emerging Scots scrievers an bairds
3rd November – 8th November 2025 wi Hannah Rarity an Billy Letford, an Guest reader Amanda Thomson Click here for more info Hiv ye aye kent that ye wantit tae scrieve in Scots? Dae ye hear muisic in aw its wirds an rhymes? This taucht retreat is for awbody wha’s ever wantit tae or wha’s […]
Scotland’s folk stars return to school for Highland music centre’s 25th anniversary
Some of Scotland’s most acclaimed traditional musicians are heading back to school this June to mark a major milestone in Highland musical education. The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special concert at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, on 19th June and the event will bring together […]
Ayrshire Traditional Music School 6-7th August 2025
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The Wee Hours by Josie Duncan
Acclaimed Scottish artist Josie Duncan is set to release her newest single The Wee Hours (the magical time between midnight and morning) on 13th June, created as part of the enchanting short film ‘Faithful’ from Silly Wee Films. The track, which Duncan describes as a deeply personal creation into which she “poured her whole heart,” […]