Congratulations to Mairi MacMillan 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 Mairi of Mairi MacMillan the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Gaelic singer songwriter from South Uist and now live in Glasgow. I usually sing traditional Gaelic songs and a few years ago I started writing my own songs in Gaelic. I released an album of my new songs earlier this year.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
From a very early age I have been singing Gaelic songs. I love learning new songs and singing with others. I also teach Gaelic songs.
Any particular career highlights?
This year I released an album of my own songs, all inspired by Glasgow. I hadn’t considered writing songs and after some encouragement I spent time developing song writing. Hearing my songs being played and receiving positive reviews about them is a great feeling and sense of achievement. I was honoured to be asked to sing at BBC Alba Ceilidh na Bliadhn’ Ur in 2024 and welcome 2025. I was very fortunate to be invited to sing at Celtic Colours in 2023 and this was an amazing experience that enabled me to make connections with many other artists.
What are your plans for the future?
Sing more, collaborate more, learn more and share more!
I am interested in working on themed projects (e.g. birdsong; Feinne; Glaschu) and would be keen to develop performance production skills.
I am almost finished recording an album of traditional Gaelic songs and hope to release this in 2026.
Mairi MacMillan Social Media
Website: https://mairimacmillan.com/
Facebook: @mairimacmillan.uist
Instagram: @mairimacmillan.uist
YouTube: mairimacmillan
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.