We are delighted to announce the Hands Up For Trad Women in Music and Culture List for 2025, celebrating the outstanding contributions of women across Scotland’s rich cultural landscape.
Since our inaugural list in 2023, this initiative has grown into an important annual celebration of the vital role women play in shaping, preserving, and innovating within Scotland’s vibrant cultural scene. What began as a way to mark International Women’s Day has evolved into a meaningful platform that showcases the diverse talents and perspectives of women working across multiple artistic disciplines.
Read the article in the Scotsman newspaper.
“At Hands Up For Trad, we’re proud to highlight the remarkable contributions that women make to our cultural landscape in Scotland. The 2025 Women in Music and Culture List is a powerful testament to the talent, creativity and resilience of women who shape and strengthen the arts scene across many areas in Scotland, enriching people’s lives as a result. By shining a light on their achievements and stories, we aim to promote gender equality, inspire future generations, and reaffirm our commitment to a cultural scene that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.”
2025 Honourees
We invite you to learn more about each of these extraordinary women by clicking on their names below. Each profile features their responses to questions about their influences, creative practices, current interests, and future plans.
- Ali Burns
- Corrina Hewat
- Jackie Wylie
- Jemima Levick
- Liz Lochhead
- Mary MacMaster
- Mikaela Atkins-Blake
- Mischa MacPherson
- Michelle Shields
- Morna Young
- Nicola Benedetti
- Rona Munro
- Seonaid Aitken
While we still live in a world where gender inequality persists in the arts and cultural sectors, initiatives like our Women in Music and Culture List remain essential. We believe in creating space to celebrate these voices until true equity exists throughout our community.
We hope these profiles will inspire you, introduce you to new creative voices, and deepen your appreciation for the wealth of female talent that continues to shape Scotland’s cultural identity.
Visit our previous lists from 2023 and 2024 to discover more remarkable women making their mark on Scottish culture.
Please share these stories widely and join us in celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding women.
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