Congratulations to Graeme Armstrong 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 Graeme of Graeme Armstrong the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Graeme Armstrong, a singer and guitarist from the Scottish Borders, has performed at world leading festivals including, Cambridge Folk Fesitval, Denmark’s Tønder, WOMAD UK, Chile and Las Palmas, Ortigueria, Lorient, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Celtic Colours, Milwaukee Irish Festival and Glasgow’s Celtic Connections with the band Talisk. Since joining, in 2017, they have gone on to be crowned 2017 Folk band of the year, at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, and only a year later, winners of the Belhaven Bursary Award at the same awards netting them a 25,000 pounds’ cash prize. As skilled collaborator he has also appeared on various albums, including being a co founder of the award wining Rachel Hamer Band and more recently touring with Ross Miller Band. During the Covid Pandemic Graeme embarked on making his debut solo album ‘You are Free’ which which was released in April 2022. Throughout his time touring he has always enjoyed teaching, including adult workshops at Feis Rois, weekly guitar workshops at Scots Music group in Edinburgh, local festivals and teaching privately from his home.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I’m involved in Scottish music because I love it. I love the stories, the music, the tradition, all the different types of songs and tunes we play. The fact it changes throughout Scotland, the real sense of history and what you can learn from the music.
I also love to play with people. The community of musicians in the Scottish scene is fantastic. It’s amazing to be able to find sessions and play with other musicians that you may or may not know.
Another aspect is everyones shared love for pushing the boundaries of Scottish music however still staying true to the tradition. I think it gives me a strong sense of belonging and I love the folklore behind it, and I love passing this on to my children and within my teaching. I feel very privileged to be part of it.
Any particular career highlights?
-Being able to perform all over the world. Travel the world with my guitar.
-Being able to achieve my goals by playing at major festivals. I remember watching bands that I loved and looked up to playing amazing festivals like, Celtic Connections, Ostrava, Ortigueira, Cambridge and the amazing feeling when I got there. My first Celtic Connections was a special moment for me.
-I’m very proud of the band Talisk have become, and my contribuiton to the band to get it to that level.
-Writing albums that I am very proud of and I know people enjoy listening to.
-Seeing the enjoyment my teaching brings to my pupils and have them achieve their goals.
-Seeing a number of my pupils go to University to study music.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to keep teaching. Keep playing and touring with the Ross Miller Band. Hopefully help him raise the profile of the band over the next couple of years so we can move onto larger tours and larger festivals. I’d love to collaborate with more musicians including some international musicians. Hopefully can do more guitar workshops and I plan to release a number of singles of Traditional songs from the Borders but in a modern style.
Graeme Armstrong Social Media
Website: https://www.graemearmstrongmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graemearmstrongmusic/?locale=en_GB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graemearmstrong91/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq2h1_gZgjcP1H33zrIMo7A
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.