Congratulations to Gillebride MacMillan who has been nominated in Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by Highland Society of London in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2023. Vote for Gillebride MacMillan now!. It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 2nd December in Dundee’s Caird Hall. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Gillebride of Gillebride MacMillan the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Gillebride MacMillan is one of the figureheads of contemporary Gaelic singing as well as being a tradition bearer of Gaelic song traditions. Gillebride is at the forefront of the revival in Gaelic song composition, both as a composer of new songs and as a champion of new songwriters in his BBC Radio nan Gàidheal show, Òran Annad. He is a distinguished Gaelic traditional singer and a song collector and he has managed and coordinated various Gaelic song projects. From traditional songs to new songs, performance and research in Gaelic song, Gillebride is one of the most sought after renowned Gaelic singers.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Gaelic music is an integral part of Gillebride's life. Gaelic song has enriched and shaped his life. Immersed in Gaelic song and traditions from childhood in his native South Uist, Gillebride, has performed and showcased Gaelic song throughout the world. Gillebride is one of the most sought-after tutors and performers of Gaelic song and he imparts his knowledge of Gaelic song to students, children and adults at concerts, workshops and lectures.
Any particular career highlights?
Gillebride has been widely acclaimed for his self-penned albums Freumhan Falaichte (2018) and Sèimh: The State of Calm (2023). His songs were described by one reviewer as 'traditional songs of the future'.
Gillebride also gained international renown for his role as Gwyllyn the Bard in Outlander and he has performed Gaelic song throughout the world as a result of the role. Gillebride has also worked on Outlander as the Gaelic consultant for the show and wrote a song which was featured in the show.
Regular performing and teaching at Ceòlas Uibhist and Fergus Scottish Festival are also highlights. Gillebride also teaches a course in Gaelic Song in Performance at The University of Glasgow nurturing Gaelic song aomongst students.
What are your plans for the future?
Gillebride is working on a range of exciting projects – researching and collecting Gaelic songs for various projects, writing new Gaelic songs and performing at major festivals.
Gillebride MacMillan Social Media
Website: https://www.gillebride.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GillebrideMacMillan
Twitter: @gillebride
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillebridemacmillan/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/gillebridemacmillangaelicsong
TikTok: @
The 2023 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 2nd December 2023! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here),Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Bands performing on Saturday 2nd December include Peatbog Faeries, Mànran, Karine Polwart and Dave Milligan, Duncan Chisholm Band, Joy Dunlop Band, Aberdeen SC&T Youth and more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.
