Congratulations to Emma 'Scalpay' MacLeod who has been nominated in Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by Highland Society of London in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024. Vote for Emma 'Scalpay' MacLeod now!. It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 30th November in Inverness Leisure. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Emma of Emma 'Scalpay' MacLeod the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Gaelic singer from the Isle of Scalpay, Harris. I have been singing from a very young age and grew up participating in various Mòds. I was awarded my winning medal at the age of 15 by HRH Princess Anne and then went on to win the Traditional Gold Medal in Inverness (2021) and the An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal in Paisley (2023) – the highest level of Gaelic singing.
I have performed at a number of occasions/events over the years. Singing at Blas Festival, HebCelt, local ceilidhs and have performed twice on BBC ALBA's Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire (Live Hogmanay Programme). I formed and participate in the choral collective Binneas (alongside John Joe MacNeil) who performed at the King's Coronation Concert, rubbing shoulders with stars such as Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Andrea Bocelli and singing backing vocals for Take That! As well as taking to the stage as part of the ALBA choir for the Eurovision Choir of the Year competition in Gothenburg.
Singing has always been my sort of therapy and I love being able to share my love and passion for Gaelic song to a wider audience. My success at the Mòd allowed me to cross the pond and share my voice at various events in Virginia and Maryland. I have also performed at the incredible PanCeltic festival in Carlow, Ireland.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I was brought up in a Gaelic community and was always interested in Gaelic song. I have looked up to artists like Julie Fowlis and Kathleen MacInnes and always wanted to be like them. Their success is incredible and I always hoped that one day, I would be up there with them – sharing our passion for the Gaelic language, culture and song to the world.
Music is such a special thing! Throughout lockdown, it was the one thing that I think brought us together on social media to get us through such a difficult time. I posted a clip singing a Gaelic song about Homesickness, as I sat in my 1 bedroom flat in Edinburgh, and could not believe the response I got. Even those who could not speak the language could understand the sentiment – THAT is what is so precious about the Scottish music scene.
Scottish music is always connected to its deep cultural roots, diversity, and its unique ability to blend traditional and modern sounds. It is what really makes us stand out and it's such a special thing to be a part of!
Any particular career highlights?
Winning both Gold medals at the Royal National Mòd is definitely up there with one of my biggest highlights. However, singing at HebCelt Festival this year has to be the biggest one for me. When I went to take to the stage and I saw the massive crowd that had come to see me, I was overcome with emotion. The tent was at capacity – even my cousins couldn't get in to hear me with the crowds that had gathered. The fact all these people had come to hear me sing a selection of Gaelic songs was really quite incredible. We see all the arguments all the time regarding Gaelic's place in Scotland – this really showed me that Gaelic is very much alive and thriving, and I was contributing to this. A really special moment indeed.
What are your plans for the future?
I would really love to make an album. This would be the next big step. Then I would have something to showcase at gigs. I'm often asked where people can buy my music and I have unfortunately not had the opportunity (or been able to find the funding) to make one. Hopefully this would lead to more gigs, festivals, tours etc. I really love singing and would love to share my passion for Gaelic song to the whole world – even more than I'm already doing.
Emma 'Scalpay' MacLeod Social Media
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557724000517
Facebook: @emmascalpay
Twitter: @emmascalpay
Instagram: @emmascalpay
YouTube: @
TikTok: @emmascalpay
The 2024 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 30th November 2024 in Inverness Leisure Centre! 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 30th November include Julie Fowlis, Skipinnish, Laura Wilkie and Ian Carr, Highland Young Musicians and Arc Fiddlers, An Dannsa Dub, BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award winner 2024 Calum McIlroy 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.
