Creative Scotland are sponsors of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025 and are sponsoring The Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language. We asked them some questions about their experience of sponsoring the Trad Awards. If you would like to come to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on 6th December in Aberdeen Music Hall you can buy tickets here or watch on BBC ALBA from 9pm on Saturday 6th November.
Thanks to Catriona Hawksworth from Creative Scotland for answering these questions.
Why have you chosen to sponsor Na Trads, and what importance does the event hold for your sector?
The Trad Awards are an exciting opportunity to take the time to celebrate all of the amazing things happening in traditional music in Scotland.
As well as supporting Hands Up for Trad through our Multi Year Funding programme, Creative Scotland also sponsors two awards at Na Trads; the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award with funding from The National Lottery, and Music Tutor of the Year, supported by the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI).
There is a huge amount of impactful creative work happening year-round both in Scots Language and traditional music tuition, and the Trad Awards are an important part of showcasing that collective effort.
What makes your organisation tick?
As the national body championing the arts, screen, and creative industries in Scotland for all who live, work, and visit, we are passionate about creativity. This commitment is echoed by each of this year’s inspiring award nominees, and we are thrilled to support their impactful work in Scotland and beyond.
What are you most looking forward to about the Trad Awards or do you have a favourite moment from over the years?
This event is such a vibrant celebration of the traditional music sector, and it’s always so exciting to see everyone come together in one space. The musical performances always reflect the diversity of styles within traditional music so well and demonstrate the incredibly high standard of musicians working in Scotland.
What would you say to anyone who is considering entering, voting in, watching or attending the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards?
Na Trads is a perfect opportunity to reflect on all the amazing music that has been produced and shared throughout the year, and the range of awards reminds us of the many different artists, bands, singers, community groups, venues, composers, and teachers that help traditional music thrive in Scotland.
Visit their website: https://www.creativescotland.com/
Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night in the Granite City will also welcome live performances from beloved singer Hannah Rarity, UK folk legends The Poozies, trad pop band Mec Lir and Aberdeenshire singer Ellie Beaton. Rory Matheson will lead his Scottish Dance Band, while young musicians from Plockton Music School and Orkney youth project Hadhirgaan will also perform. Buy your tickets here.