Young Trad

Six exceptional musicians selected for prestigious Celtic Connections final Following an outstanding 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 2026. All twelve semi-finalists delivered exceptional performances throughout the weekend, showcasing the remarkable depth of talent within Scotland’s traditional […]

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 […]

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 […]

Congratulations to the 6 finalists in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award. They are; Watch the finals on BBC iPlayer on 17:05 or listen on BBC Radio Scotland from 17:00. The 12 semi-finalists performed brilliantly in a concert at BBC Pacific Quay. They each performed for 10 minutes each and gave the judges […]

Congratulations to the 12 semi-finalists in the 2025 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award. They are: The semi-finals will be held on 13th October in the BBC Pacific Quay and each of the semi-finalists will perform for 10 minutes. 6 musicians will go through to the finals at Celtic Connections festival on 2nd February 2025. […]

Any singer or instrumentalist aged between 18 and 27 can apply and be in the chance of winning the prestigious title, an additional recording session with BBC Radio Scotland, a performance at the Scots Trad Music Awards and one year’s membership of Musicians’ Union. Previous BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musicians include our own Anna […]

Singer, mandolin & guitar player Calum McIlroy, from Aberdeenshire, is the winner of the coveted title of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2024. A packed audience in Glasgow’s City Halls watched six finalists vie for the title, in an event which was also broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC ALBA on Sunday, […]

Congratulations to Calum McIlroy, Ella Munro, Evie Waddell, John Dew, Matt Tighe and Ruairidh Iain Gray who have made it through to the finals of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2024. It was a brilliant afternoon of music and all the 12 semi-finalists performed brilliantly. Read about them here. Each semi-finalist performed for […]

Congratulations to the 12 semi-finalists in the 2024 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award. They are: Blythe Shand, 17, Piano & Accordion, DunfermlineCalum McIlroy, 26, Guitar, Mandolin & Voice, AberdeenshireElla Munro, 26, Voice, Skye and GlasgowEvie Waddell, 25, Voice, step dance percussion, StirlingGeorge Spence, 20, Fiddle, Unst, ShetlandJohn Dew, 25, Bagpipes, PerthshireJuliette Lemoine, 26, […]