Highland Society of London are sponsors of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025 and are sponsoring Gaelic Singer of the Year. 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 Alex Ogilvie from Highland Society of London for answering these questions.
Why have you chosen to sponsor Na Trads, and what importance does the event hold for your sector?
The Highland Society of London is a charity that supports and promotes the culture and traditions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. We aim to encourage engagement with piping, Highland dancing, Gaelic singing, literature and the visual arts – at both the elite and the introductory level, whether through active participation or audience enjoyment. We are delighted to be long-term partners of Na Trads, sponsoring the Gaelic Singer of the Year award.
What makes your organisation tick?
Seeing increased engagement with the events that we organise and/or sponsor, and receiving positive feedback from partners, participants and audiences.
What are you most looking forward to about the Trad Awards or do you have a favourite moment from over the years?
The way that the event – and indeed the whole live music sector – has bounced back in the last 6 years since we were last in Aberdeen.
What would you say to anyone who is considering entering, voting in, watching or attending the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards?
The event is not so much a celebration of individual winners, but a confirmation of the vibrant health of traditional music in Scotland.
Visit their website: https://www.highlandsocietyoflondon.org
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.