Congratulations to Rachel Cuthbert who has been nominated in Production Award: Photographer of the Year 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 Rachel of Rachel Cuthbert the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a 26 year old concert photographer based in Glasgow, Scotland. I began concert photography in November 2023, and throughout 2024 have had the opportunity to work with multiple artists and photographers. I went fully freelance in 2025 and have had the opportunity to work with lots of incredible Scottish bands throughout the year. I have experience capturing arena shows, music festivals, behind the scenes for music videos/recording studio sessions, and promotional work for artists (single art etc).
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
In January 2024, I received a photo pass to photograph Skerryvore at the Royal Concert Hall during Celtic Connections. I was in awe of the musicians, the production and their photographer. Since then I have actively pursued a career capturing Scottish music as I not only admire the musicianship, I also find the atmosphere of the shows to be incredible and photographing the shows to be very fulfilling.
Any particular career highlights?
Even though I am still early on in my career, some highlights so far include:
1. Working for Skerryvore and capturing their 20th Anniversary show at Floors Castle.
2. Having the opportunity to work for Paul Heaton at the OVO Hydro and P&J Live in 2024, and then Belladrum in 2025.
3. Working on the 2025 media team for Black Isle Calling.
4. Building relationships and friendships with incredible photographers, videographers and bands within the Scottish music scene.
What are your plans for the future?
To hopefully continue working with incredible Scottish bands. To evolve as a creative and to offer videography in addition to photography in 2026.
Rachel Cuthbert Social Media
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram: Rachel__Roams
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.