Hands Up for Trad’s Women in Music and Culture 2026 list has been announced to celebrate just some of the women working in Scotland.
Launched as part of International Women’s Day 2026, we shine the spotlight on 12 women who all contribute towards Scotland’s cultural landscape through their work. Read the 2026 list here.
We asked Naomi Hollas to tell us more about their work, influences and ambitions for the future.
How did you first get involved in the arts and who were your early influences?
Being from the Highlands and having close family ties to the Outer Hebrides meant that Scottish traditional music and dance were a core part of my upbringing. From summers on the Isle of Lewis to BBC Radio nan Gàidheal always playing in the house and the car, Gaelic culture was constantly present. I have my mum to thank for that! I’m incredibly grateful to her and her family for keeping it alive for my brother and me as we were growing up.
In 2014, I volunteered at The Commonwealth Games in Glagsow. I was completely inspired, so the following year I moved to Glasgow to study Event Management. As part of my work experience, I volunteered at the Hebridean Celtic Festival, bringing together my love for events and my Island roots. Little did I know this would be the catalyst for my entire career! I owe a heck of a lot to HebCelt and the wonderdul, hardworking team behind it who continue to inspire and support me.
While I don’t have musical or artistic talents of my own, I have a deep appreciation for the artists I work with. I’m proud to contribute to the industry through the event management side of things and to play even a small role in the platforms that allow artists and culture to thrive.
In a time when many artists and creative professionals are facing significant challenges, how have you developed and evolved your creative practice over the past few years?
From an event perspective, ticket buying habits are continuing to change and we are having to find creative ways to adapt accordingly. Customers are increasingly buying last minute, or opting for payment plans due to the cost of living crisis, while inflation is impacting every aspect of event delivery. Even in 2026, festivals and live events are still feeling the pandemic’s effects.
Alongside this, one of the biggest recent challenges has been the sheer number of large-scale, one-off events. The significant cost of attending these shows often means that audiences must choose between a major gig, a weekend-long festival, or even a summer holiday. As a result, previously loyal festival-goers are having to make difficult decisions. That being said, it is equally exciting to see Scotland hosting these major gigs and attracting global audiences.
A big shout out to the teams behind the live events up and down the country who work tirelessly to bring music, arts, escapism, joy and connection to our communities – Support your local events!
On a personal note, becoming a parent was a new challenge for me as I learned to balance motherhood and the career I worked so hard to build – Loving every moment with my son but worrying about losing opportunities. The maternity/paternity financial and wellbeing support is very minimal within the freelancer world, unfortunately. For anyone else in this boat, lean on your communities and trust that you, and your hard work, is valued.
Who or what interests you creatively?
I spend most my time with my 2 year old, so I am regularly attending kid friendly activities and events that provides lots of inspiration for my work at Belladrum. I’m always keeping my eye out for entertainment, food and decor inspiration! I currently live in Edinburgh so there is always lots happening and lots to take inspiration from.
I love to attend industry events and connecting with like minded people. Wide Days in Edinburgh, for example, provides fantastic opportunities for emerging artists and industry professionals, and to stay engaged with wider conversations shaping the sector.
What are your plans for the next year or so and/or what are your longer term creative ambitions?
I feel a strong responsibility, particularly for my son, to continue supporting and championing the Scottish arts so that he and future generations can enjoy — and feel the same deep connection to and pride in — our culture as I do. The current resurgence of traditional music and Gaelic is incredible to witness and be part of.
I was lucky enough to find my “niche” within events, working with the artists and professionals I admire (and am proud to call friends), traveling up and down the country, delivering culturally and socially significant events – all while raising my son. If I can continue this for as long as I am able, I will be living the dream!
Find out more about Naomi Hollas here.
Read the Hands Up for Trad’s Women in Music and Culture 2026 List
Hands Up for Trad are an organisation who work with Scottish traditional music, language and culture. If you would like to support our work you can donate here.