Congratulations to Òran Ùr who has been nominated in Production Award: Trad Music in the Media 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 Fiona of Òran Ùr the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
In 2024, Gillebrìde MacMillan approached BBC Radio nan Gàidheal with an idea for a year-long project that would celebrate and platform Gaelic songwriting in the 21st century. From these beginnings, the Òran Ùr podcast was born. Kicking off back in February 2025, every week the podcast – along with the accompanying radio programme – spotlights one of the diverse range of songs composed since the millennium, with the artists behind each one sharing an insight into their inspirations and creative process.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
A crucial part of Radio nan Gàidheal’s role is to promote the Gaelic language and encourage its usage. New songwriting is a vital part of any living language and essential for its survival and relevence in a contemporary world. At Radio nan Gàidheal we’re proud to play our part in giving a profile to modern Gaelic songs and the talented artists behind them.
Any particular career highlights?
It’s been fascinating to meet the composers and learn more about their craft and and we’ve been so encouraged to see the emerging generation of Gaelic songwriters and the pride they have in their language.
What are your plans for the future?
The Òran Ùr podcasts will ultimately form an archive which we hope will showcase the quality and diversity of Gaelic songwriting in the 21st century and inspire and encourage the songwriters of the future.
Òran Ùr Social Media
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0028dhg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radionangaidheal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcrng
YouTube:
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.