MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017: Knoydart Community Hall

Congratulations to Knoydart Community Hall who have been nominated in Venue of the Year sponsored by Musicians' Union in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017. Vote now!

We asked Jackie Robertson (Committee Member) of Knoydart Community Hall the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
The Knoydart Community Hall is the main public space in Knoydart – a remote peninsula on the west coast of the Highlands accessible only by boat or a 2-3 day walk over the hills. The hall itself was built in 1957 and exists to serve the community as a cultural event venue and community space, being used since its creation for a wide variety of activities – from music, arts activities, workshops & exhibitions to sports, meetings and social gatherings. The hall hosts on average 200 activities every year and is a vital resource for our community of approx 110 people.

In 2014 the hall became a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Trust (SCIO), and is at present a purely voluntary venture with a small committee overseeing the management and event organisation, but with input from many members of the community.

One of the hall's primary uses is to host a year-round programme of music events. In the past four years we have held 50+ music events bringing established, new and diverse talent to the stage.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Scottish music is rich, diverse and inclusive, and we feel it is important to support the traditions and new interpretations of it. We also love a good party and there is no better party than one that has real music! The committee work hard to bring in a variety of events, providing a platform for both seasoned performers and, importantly, up-and-coming acts. We feel it is important to provide a welcoming space for performers, and have a strong commitment to treating the them well. Recognising the difficulties of getting here we ensure that all boat travel, accommodation & food expenses are covered over and above the normal fees.

It is also strongly felt by the volunteers who help run the community hall that bringing in musicians for events year-round is extremely important for what could be called ‘community resilience’. Living in a small, remote community can have its challenges and we feel it is very important that we provide the space and events that allow our community to relax, socialise, and enjoy themselves!

We also believe that it is important to encourage the younger generations to be involved in the Scottish music scene and we make a conscious effort to encourage the younger members of our community to join in and organise their own music events, with guidance.

Any particular career highlights?
We have been very lucky to host so many brilliant acts, and sometimes it feels like every gig is a highlight! We kicked off this year with the First Big Session of 2017 featuring our Hogmanay musicians Fras & Sketch along with dozens of talented visitors & locals – the music was unbelievable! Another couple of highlights from this year were The Poozies & Levack, Murphy, Irving.

The best gig we ever had – there are too many to choose from – but a few that stand out are the Bevvy Sisters, Cask Strength Ceilidh Band & The John Langan Band at New Year a couple of years ago.

What are your plans for the future?
We have two complimentary plans for the future:

The first is to totally renovate and expand the hall with construction aiming to begin in February 2018. This project will allow us to increase attendance, expand the events programme across the board, create employment and in short make the Hall more financially viable and sustainable.

The second plan is more from the heart. We want, with everything that we have, to continue to bring music and culture to this small community so often called a ‘wilderness’. We want to help make small communities the heart of the country’s music and culture, and help musicians and makers to be able to bring themselves here, and allow here to inform what they make.

If you would like to come along to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Paisley’s Lagoon Centre call 0300 300 1210 or to buy online visit www.paisley2021.co.uk/events/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards. Tickets can also be purchased via Paisley Arts Centre. Bands performing on Saturday 2nd December include Elephant Sessions, The Shee Big Band, Siobhan Miller, Tidelines, Paisley Fèis, Snuffbox, The Seamus O’Sullivan Experience, Lori Watson, Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair, Songs of Bàrd Phàislig (featuring Gillebrìde MacIlleMhaoil, Sìneag MacIntyre, Màiri NicAonghais, Seonaidh MacIntyre, Ewan MacPherson, Mhairi Hall, Màiri Nic a Mhaoilein and more to be announced. There will also be a late night ceilidh after the Awards till 1am.