Congratulations to Gillian Stevenson who has been nominated in 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 Gillian of Gillian Stevenson the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I was given my first fiddle at the age of 10 by Christine Martin when my family moved to Tain. I played in various school groups and orchestras and became a founder member of a school Scottish dance band under the brilliant guidance of Ali McGregor who was the lead accordion player with the Tain Scottish Dance Band.
I attended the very first Feis Rois residential week in Ullapool in 1986 as a pupil and later went on to become a supervisor and a tutor – teaching weekly adult fiddle classes and also delivering Traditional Scottish Music to children in Highland Schools as part of the Youth Music Initiative scheme.
In 2017, I trained as a Mentor for the TRACS Traditional Arts Mentoring team and have continued to Mentor fellow artists in the Creative Arts.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
From a very young age I listened to Take the Floor with my grandparents and it instilled a passion for Scottish Dance band music. I currently play with several Scottish Dance Bands and have recorded on various Take the Floor Broadcasts.
I enjoy the social aspects and well being that playing for dancing brings both the musicians, listening audience and dancers.
Playing for Scottish Country Dancers has allowed me to travel extensively in Europe and also Australia.
Any particular career highlights?
Being part of the BBC House Band for the National Mod with the Iain Angus MacLeod Ceilidh Band
Playing with Rhythm n Reel (Celtic Rock Band) on the opening night of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
Recording my first Take the Floor with the David Oswald Scottish Dance Band which coincided with Gary Innes’ first Take the Floor Broadcast!
Teaching / Leading the Summer School Musicians Course for the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society with a final grand dance in the Younger Hall, St Andrews with a 30 strong orchestra.
Achieving my Certificate in Mentoring and mentoring other artists on their journeys
Being nominated for the Trad Tutor of the Year Award!
Gillian joined Rhythm n Reel in 2004 and has enjoyed the exciting mix of Celtic, rock
and folk based music that the band has become synonymous with over the years.
What are your plans for the future?
Musical Director for the Scottish Country Dance Teachers Association Canada (TAC) and their Summer School
Playing at various gigs around the world including London, Sweden, Canada and Hungary.
Mentoring and encouraging more creative Scottish artists
Gillian Stevenson Social Media
Website:
Facebook: Gillian Stevenson
Instagram: Fiddlergin
YouTube:
TikTok: Fiddlergin
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.