MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017: Mànran

Congratulations to Mànran who have been nominated in Album of the Year sponsored by Birnam CD in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017. Vote now!

We asked Ewen Henderson of Mànran the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
We formed in 2010 and since then have enjoyed taking our unique blend of Scottish music all over the World, from South Uist to South Korea and from Australia to Aberdeen. We play a mixture of exciting instrumental music and songs (old and new) in both English and Gaelic.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
We love Scottish music and will always strive to share our love of Scottish music with anyone who'll let us. We're involved in Scottish music because we love it.

Any particular career highlights?
Playing at Runrig's 40th Anniversary party was one in a long (and hopefully continuous) list of career highlights. 2017's highlights include a sell-out concert at Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom where we launched our third studio album "An Dà Là – The Two Days".

What are your plans for the future?
In terms of our short-term future, we're in the early stages of a very interesting collaboration with some Japanese artists and we've already started work on a fourth album. Looking at the long-term picture, various members of the band are looking at ways of clearing the seas of micro-plastics, ensuring a secure future for our ocean-dwelling co-inhabitants of the earth; others are looking into the possibility of setting up an annual awards bash celebrating the very best in Scottish music.

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.