{"id":28532,"date":"2026-11-02T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/?p=28532"},"modified":"2026-11-02T13:42:24","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T13:42:24","slug":"scotlands-folk-stars-in-running-for-top-honours-as-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-shortlist-revealed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/scotlands-folk-stars-in-running-for-top-honours-as-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-shortlist-revealed\/","title":{"rendered":"Scotland\u2019s folk stars in running for top honours as MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards shortlist revealed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\" id=\"block-9817cce8-ce6a-4271-8551-787d02afb9ba\"><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/files\/2026\/11\/Paisley-Feis0458.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/files\/2026\/11\/Paisley-Feis0458.jpg\" alt=\"Paisley 2017 Na Trads\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.6025641025641026;width:1000px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards<\/strong> have unveiled the 2026 list of nominees, with trailblazing folk acts, much-loved festivals, rising stars and unsung heroes of the scene all up for recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An impressive roll call of talent representing the best of the best in Scotland\u2019s thriving traditional music scene sees 94 nominees in the running for sought-after awards across 21 categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>MG ALBA Scots Trad Awards<\/strong>, or Na Trads, reach their 24th edition and will this year be held at <strong>Paisley Arena<\/strong> on <strong>Saturday 5 December<\/strong> at a glittering ceremony broadcast live on BBC ALBA.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dubbed the \u2018folk Oscars\u2019, the night recognises the extraordinary creativity, talent and passion powering Scotland\u2019s traditional music community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public are invited to have their say on who comes out on top, with voting open now until <strong>Sunday 15 November<\/strong> at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.scotstradmusicawards.com\/\">www.scotstradmusicawards.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The nominees are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Album of the Year, sponsored by Birnam CD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-kim-carnie\/\"><em>A\u2019 Chailleach<\/em>\u00a0by Kim Carnie<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/view\/album-of-the-year-2026\/entry\/2523\/\"><em>A Love for All Seasons<\/em>\u00a0by Chris Stout and Catriona McKay<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-padruig-morrison\/\"><em>Buin<\/em>\u00a0by P\u00e0druig Moireasdan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/view\/album-of-the-year-2026\/entry\/2548\/\"><em>Doing This for Love<\/em>\u00a0by Kris Drever<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-patsy-reid\/\"><em>I am Disposed to Mirth<\/em>\u00a0by Patsy Reid<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-blazin-fiddles\/\"><em>Incendo<\/em>\u00a0by Blazin\u2019 Fiddles<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/view\/album-of-the-year-2026\/entry\/2514\/\"><em>Scarrow<\/em>\u00a0by Salt House<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-isla-ratcliff\/\"><em>The Scottish Four Seasons<\/em>\u00a0by Isla Ratcliff<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-mhairi-hall-david-de-la-haye\/\"><em>Underwater Cairngorms<\/em>\u00a0by Mhairi Hall and David de la Haye<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-maggie-macinnes\/\"><em>Useagan Bharraigh<\/em>\u00a0by Maggie MacInnes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year, sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-allan-taylor\/\">Allan Taylor<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-amy-lord\/\">Amy Lord<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-lainey-dempsey-2\/\">Lainey Dempsey<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paddy Buchanan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Club of the Year, sponsored by Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-biggar-accordion-and-fiddle-club\/\">Biggar Box and Fiddle Club<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-dalry-folk-club\/\">Dalry Folk Club<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-lossie-folk-club\/\">Lossie Folk Club<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resolis Hall<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Community Project of the Year, sponsored by Isle of Barra Distillers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-the-national-piping-centre-community-piping-clubs\/\">Community Piping Clubs \u2013 National Piping Centre<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-gfw-glasgow-folk-music-workshop\/\">Glasgow Folk Music Workshop<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-feis-phaislig\/\">F\u00e8is Ph\u00e0islig<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-feis-rois\/\">F\u00e8is Rois at 40<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Composer of the Year, sponsored by PRS for Music<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adam Sutherland<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-colin-steeles-stramash\/\">Colin Steele<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-hamish-napier\/\">Hamish Napier<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-megan-henderson\/\">Megan Henderson<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Event of the Year, sponsored by VisitScotland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-belladrum-tartan-heart-festival\/\">Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-edinburgh-international-harp-festival\/\">Edinburgh International Harp Festival<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-north-atlantic-fiddle-convention\/\">North Atlantic Fiddle Convention<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Piping Live<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-speyfest\/\">Speyfest<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-the-ceilidh-king-celebrating-fergie-macdonald-mbe\/\">The Ceilidh King \u2013 Celebrating Fergie Macdonald MBE<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gaelic Singer of the Year, sponsored by Highland Society of London<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-claire-frances-macneil\/\">Claire Frances MacNeil<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-iain-cormack\/\">Iain Cormack<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-norrie-maciver\/\">Norrie MacIver<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-mairi-mcgillivray\/\">Mairi McGillivray<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Industry Person of the Year, sponsored by An Aird Events<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-corrie-campbell\/\">Corrie Campbell<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-craig-corse\/\">Craig Corse<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-jen-anderson-the-bothy-society\/\">Jen Anderson<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lesley Shaw<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Live Act of the Year, sponsored by SHURE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-dlu\/\">DL\u00d9<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-mec-lir\/\">Mec L\u00ecr<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-the-jarad-rowan-band\/\">The Jarad Rowan Band<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-valtos\/\">Valtos<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Music Tutor of the Year, sponsored by the Scottish Government\u2019s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ciorstaidh Beaton<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-claire-hastings\/\">Claire Hastings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gordon Gunn<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-lauren-maccoll\/\">Lauren MacColl<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sileas Sinclair<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Musician of the Year, sponsored by University of the Highlands and Islands<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-alec-dalglish\/\">Alec Dalglish<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-amy-laurenson\/\">Amy Laurenson<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-charlie-galloway\/\">Charlie Galloway<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-innes-white\/\">Innes White<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-sam-mabbett\/\">Sam Mabbett<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-su-a-lee\/\">Su-a Lee<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Original Work of the Year, sponsored Musicians\u2019 Union<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-shooglenifty\/\"><em>Bairns O\u2019 Gaza<\/em>\u00a0by Shooglenifty<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-metagama-an-atlantic-odyssey\/\">Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-deiseil-dancing-in-time\/\">Deiseil: Dancing in Time<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Run<\/em>\u00a0by Elephant Sessions with Beluga Lagoon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scottish Dance Band of the Year, sponsored by National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>David Oswald Scottish Dance Band<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-the-fin-hope-scottish-dance-band\/\">Fin Hope Band<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-john-burns-scottish-dance-band\/\">John Burns Scottish Dance Band<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-the-haggis-chasers-ceilidh-band\/\">The Haggis Chasers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scottish Folk Band of the Year, sponsored by Threads of Sound<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-beinn-lee\/\">Beinn Lee<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-dana\/\">D\u00e0na<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-hannah-rarity-anna-massie\/\">Hannah Rarity and Anna Massie<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-rant\/\">RANT<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-trip-2\/\">TRIP<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scottish Pipe Band of the Year, sponsored by National Piping Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-govan-pipe-band\/\">Govan Pipe Band<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-livingston-caledonia-pipe-band\/\">Livingston Caledonia Pipe Band<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u200b\u200bPolice Scotland Fife Pipe Band<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-williamwood-pipe-band\/\">Williamwood Pipe Band<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Up and Coming Artist of the Year, sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-arthur-coates-kerran-cotterell\/\">Arthur Coates &amp; Kerran Cotterell<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-bede-patterson\/\">Bede Paterson \u2013 The Nexus Project<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-fell-line\/\">Fell Line<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-heather-cartwright\/\">Heather Cartwright<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-rachel-and-holli\/\">Rachel and Holli<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Venue of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-music-hall-aberdeen\/\">Music Hall, Aberdeen<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barrowland Ballroom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ceilidh Place<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-glenbuchat-hall\/\">Glenbuchat Hall<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond the public vote, a trio of awards are decided on in advance by an esteemed panel of judges. This year, the&nbsp;<strong>Services to Gaelic Award<\/strong>, sponsored by B\u00f2rd na G\u00e0idhlig, this year goes to An Comunn G\u00e0idhealach Chair&nbsp;<strong>Maggie Cunningham<\/strong>, while&nbsp;<strong>The Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award<\/strong>&nbsp;is awarded to the late folklorist&nbsp;<strong>Ian Russell<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Renowned Scots singer and traditional music advocate&nbsp;<strong>Sheena Wellington<\/strong>&nbsp;has received&nbsp;<strong>The Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award<\/strong>, supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A series of production awards also recognise those helping bring Scotland\u2019s traditional music to the masses, all sponsored by&nbsp;<strong>Paul McGeechan<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Mixing and Mastering<\/strong>. The production award nominees are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Trad Music in the Media<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-caithream-ciuil-30-bliadhna-de-cheol-traidiseanta-aig-conservatoire-rioghail-na-h-alba\/\">Caithream Ci\u00f9il, BBC Radio nan G\u00e0idheal \u2013 Celebrating 30 years of the RCS<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-the-big-rab-show\/\">Big Rab Show (Podcast)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-folkonfoot\/\">Folk on Foot (Podcast)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-traditional-music-forum-of-scotland\/\">Trad Music Forum New Music Newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Recording Studio of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gran\u2019s House<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-solas-sound\/\">Solas Sound<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Black Bay Studios<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Record Producer of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-andy-bell\/\">Andy Bell (Hudson Records)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-john-lowrie\/\">John Lowrie<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-nick-turner\/\">Nick Turner<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sound Engineer of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-garry\/\">Garry Boyle<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-keir-long\/\">Keir Long<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2026-ross-saunders\/\">Ross Saunders<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scots Trad Music Awards organiser Simon Thoumire said:<\/strong> \u201cIt\u2019s been another outstanding year for Scottish traditional music as it continues to evolve, surprise and inspire, while staying true to the communities and traditions that make it so special. It\u2019s always heartening to see the nominations flood in across so many areas of the scene and to see what people have been creating, sharing and doing for traditional arts in Scotland over the last 12 months.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAll of the nominees are worthy winners and reflect the best of the tradition, congratulations to each of them. Now it\u2019s over to the public, they can have their say and decide who comes away with a trophy. Na Trads haven\u2019t been held in Paisley since 2017 so we can\u2019t wait to be back in such a culturally rich town to celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tony Kearney, MG ALBA Director of Content and Audiences:<\/strong> &#8220;As headline sponsor of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, we are delighted that the awards will once again be shown live on BBC ALBA, bringing this celebration of Scotland\u2019s traditional music to audiences across Scotland and beyond. The live broadcast is an opportunity to share the exceptional talent, creativity and ambition of this vibrant community. Through our longstanding partnership, MG ALBA is proud to help bring their music, voices and stories to a wider audience.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hosted by <strong>Mary Ann Kennedy<\/strong> and <strong>Alistair Heather, Na Trads<\/strong> also showcase a host of incredible live performances on the night, with the public able to buy tickets to attend and see their favourite stars up close. Performing in Paisley will be Live Act of the Year nominee Valtos, last year\u2019s Album of the Year winner Sian, Orkney quarter Gnoss, folk fusion act <strong>Spodo Komodo<\/strong>, BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2026, <strong>Rachel Groves<\/strong> and performers from Renfrewshire&#8217;s <strong>F\u00e8is Ph\u00e0islig.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards<\/strong> are organised by <strong>Hands Up For Trad<\/strong> and made possible with funding and support from <strong>Creative Scotland<\/strong> and <strong>MG ALBA<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards<\/strong> will take place at Paisley Arena on <strong>Saturday 5 December 2026<\/strong> and broadcast from 9pm on BBC ALBA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Voting is open until <strong>Sunday 15 November<\/strong> at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.scotstradmusicawards.com\/\">www.scotstradmusicawards.com<\/a>. Tickets are on sale now at <a href=\"https:\/\/renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com\/ticketbooth\/shows\/1173677168\">https:\/\/renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com\/ticketbooth\/shows\/1173677168<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards have unveiled the 2026 list of nominees, with trailblazing folk acts, much-loved festivals, rising stars and unsung heroes of the scene all up for recognition. An impressive roll call of talent representing the best of the best in Scotland\u2019s thriving traditional music scene sees 94 nominees in the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":28535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[9,37,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","category-newsletter","category-scots-trad-music-awards","entry"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/files\/2026\/11\/Paisley-Feis0458.jpg","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/files\/2026\/11\/Paisley-Feis0458-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/files\/2026\/11\/Paisley-Feis0458-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"simon","author_link":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/author\/simon\/"},"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcv15g-7qc","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28532","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28532"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28532\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28542,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28532\/revisions\/28542"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28532"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28532"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28532"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}