Congratulations to Ellie Beaton who has been nominated in Musician of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025. Vote now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 6th December in Aberdeen Music Hall. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Ellie of Ellie Beaton the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Ellie Beaton is a captivating award-winning Folk Singer hailing from Rothienorman in the North-East of Scotland.
With a commanding voice that ripples with warmth and confidence, Ellie effortlessly embodies the timeless spirit of Aberdeenshire’s vibrant singing style whilst blending inspirations from across the globe.
Born and raised in Rothienorman, nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Ellie has carved a name for herself as one of the most promising voices in Scotland’s folk scene.
In February 2025, Ellie was crowned the latest winner of the prestigious BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2025, four years after becoming the youngest recipient of the MG Alba Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards.
Brought up in a Doric speaking home, she has a natural flare for incorporating her own dialect into her music, using the platform of song to highlight the Scots Language.
However, she is equally at home performing songs from across the folksong realm, taking inspiration from both English and Doric speaking artists.
In recent years, Ellie has toured across the UK and Europe performing in both intimate settings and large festivals, captivating audiences with her natural Aberdeenshire flare.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I first became involved in Scottish music as a child growing up in Aberdeenshire, with most weekends being spent at village hall ceilidhs or competing in Highland Dancing competitions. The traditions and cultures of rural Aberdeenshire were (and still are) a part of my everyday life, from the language to the songs.
I then began singing at the TMSA Festivals across Scotland, competing in Traditional and Bothy Ballad sections, meeting new people and learning new songs from great singers like Joe Aitken, Shona Donaldson and Geordie Murrison – all of whom have been huge inspirations of mine for as long as I can remember.
Most of my teenage years were spent playing tunes and sharing songs at folk festivals, clubs and venues across the North of Scotland,
Any particular career highlights?
A career highlight would be earlier this year, I won the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2025 at the City Halls in Glasgow in a final consisting of an immensely talented line-up of traditional musicians. I’ve had such a wonderful year since winning the competition, which has opened so many new possible avenues to take my music to.
Another career highlight would be completing my studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Music Performance in Vocal Studies. Being able to have the possibility to make music in multiple genres has been a real treat!
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on releasing my debut album in 2026, which blends songs and traditions of my home region of the North-East with newer experiences and melodies of Glasgow.
I’ve managed to put off doing an album for a quite some time so I’m delighted that I’ve managed to pluck up the courage to finally release my own music to the world!
Ellie Beaton Social Media
Website: https://elliebeaton.co.uk
Facebook: Ellie Beaton
Instagram: elliebeatonsong
YouTube: Ellie Beaton
TikTok:
The 2025 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 6th December 2025 in Aberdeen Music Hall! 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. Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night in the Granite City will also welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including beloved singer Hannah Rarity, UK folk legends The Poozies, trad pop band Mec Lir and BBC Radio scotland Young Traditional Musician and Scots Performer o the Year Ellie Beaton and many 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.