Congratulations to Hoolie in New York 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 Gary of Hoolie in New York the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
In 2021, Gary Innes launched the Hoolie brand – an ambitious vision to celebrate the joy of live Scottish traditional music and community spirit. What began as Hoolie in the Hydro, the biggest night of traditional music ever staged at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, has grown into a wider movement bringing people together through the music and shared heritage. The Hoolie brand continues to shine a light on Scotland’s vibrant trad scene, providing unforgettable experiences that showcase the energy, talent and warmth of our culture.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Scottish music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the Highlands, the sound of traditional tunes was woven into every gathering, celebration and community event. It’s more than just music – it’s a way of life, a connection to where we come from and who we are.
I’ve always believed that our traditional music has the power to bring people together, to tell our stories, and to keep our culture alive for future generations. That’s what drives me – whether I’m performing, recording, or creating events like Hoolie in the Hydro, it’s about celebrating the incredible talent we have in Scotland and sharing that sense of pride and belonging with audiences everywhere.
Any particular career highlights?
Creating an event to celebrate traditional music in arguably one of the world’s most prestigious music halls will always be a career highlight. Carnegie Hall was everything we could have ever hoped for, and more.
What are your plans for the future?
We have some massive plans for the future, which will hopefully continue to help elevate our music and scene to a higher level, and we look forward to sharing those plans with you all in the coming months. But if you want to know more about these big plans sooner than that, then buy Freya and myself a large dram, and we’ll more than likely spill the beans.
Hoolie in New York Social Media
Website: https://www.anairdevents.com
Facebook: Hoolieinthehydro
Instagram: hoolieinthehydro
YouTube: hoolieinthehydro
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.