Congratulations to Mhairi Hall 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 Mhairi of Mhairi Hall the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Mhairi was born and brought up in Aviemore, which lies in the heart of the central Highlands of Scotland. She has performed internationally and recorded with many leading musicians, bands and singers and is regarded as one of the finest and most creative pianists from Scotland. She received the Hands up for Trad IGNITION AWARD 2020 for ‘Innovation in Music’ for Airs.
Her latest release ‘Underwater Cairngorms’ blends a years’ worth of sonic research with her music. She studied the soundscape of five lochs and one river in the Cairngorms with sound recordist David de la Haye, focusing mostly on underwater recording. This album, featuring Mhairi’s compositions has gained wide recognition and beautiful reviews, and is released through Hudson Records.
Throughout 2024/25 Mhairi has been working on a large commission to compose music for The BusC Project – a groundbreaking social science project based in the Cairngorms National Park. She has written music titled ‘Of the Land’ based on the research which explores ‘care’ of three pieces of land; Lynbreck Croft, Carrbridge Community Orchard and the Wildlands Estate. The music will be performed by 40 young musicians from Plockton Music School at Celtic Connections 2026.
Mhairi has three previous self-releases of her music; ‘Airs’ featuring artist Beth Robertson Fiddes, her debut album ‘Cairngorm’ with her Trio, and ‘Contours of Cairngorm’.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
A deep connection to land, water, air, history and place that is expressed through Mhairi’s music.
Any particular career highlights?
Hearing a group of 50 musicians play my music, bringing it to life, mind-blowing for me, so special!
What are your plans for the future?
Make more music. Encourage more young people to play and create music.
Mhairi Hall Social Media
Website: https://www.mhairihall.com
Facebook: mhairi.hall
Instagram: mhairi.hall
YouTube: Strath Records
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.