Isle of Barra Distillers are sponsors of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025 and are sponsoring Community Project 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 Emily Hutton from Isle of Barra Distillers for answering these questions.
Why have you chosen to sponsor Na Trads, and what importance does the event hold for your sector?
Our identity has always been rooted in the Isle of Barra – in its wild coastline, its people and the traditions that make island life so special. Supporting the Scottish Trad Music Awards feels like a natural extension of who we are. It gives us the chance to celebrate the heritage that inspires every bottle we distil.
Traditional music holds a unique place in Scottish culture. It’s honest and built on community – the very same values we pour into our spirits. Being part of this event means standing alongside musicians and individuals who appreciate authenticity, craftsmanship and stories with real heart. We’re also genuine fans of the trad music scene ourselves. These musicians carry our culture forward, keeping Gaelic language, history and island spirit alive through their craft! To support that, even in a small way, is an absolute privilege.
Whether it’s raising a glass to this year’s talent or helping shine a light on the next generation of artists, we’re honoured to play our part in celebrating Scotland’s musical roots. Here’s to the traditions that shape us, the creativity that inspires us, and the communities that make it all meaningful.
What makes your organisation tick?
What drives us at Isle of Barra Distillers is a deep-rooted connection to our island home. Everything we do begins with the spirit of Barra – its wild coastline, its sense of community, its traditions, and its unwavering resilience. We’re motivated by a desire to create spirits that don’t just taste exceptional, but feel like Barra: honest, bold and shaped by the Atlantic.
At the heart of our distillery is a very small but very mighty team. Each one of us is deeply passionate about what we do, and that passion shows in the care we put into every bottle, and every interaction with our customers. We might be small in number, but we’re united by a shared commitment to our island and our ambition – and that collective energy is a huge part of what keeps us ticking.
We’re a family-founded business, so integrity and community guide us. We believe a distillery should do more than produce spirits – it should contribute to its home, create meaningful opportunities and share its story with pride. We want to build something that brings value to the island, offers sustainable employment, and reflects the warmth and character of the people who live here on the islands.
Innovation inspires us too. We may be a small island distillery, but we have big ambitions – from building Scotland’s most westerly distillery to crafting spirits that stand out on the world stage. That drive to grow while staying true to our roots keeps us moving forward every day.
Ultimately, what makes us tick is simple: a love for Barra, a passionate and dedicated team, a commitment to quality, and a desire to share island spirit with everyone who picks up a bottle.
What are you most looking forward to about the Trad Awards or do you have a favourite moment from over the years?
We were honoured to sponsor last year’s Trad Awards, and we’re absolutely delighted to be back again for 2025. Our first experience gave us a real glimpse into just how uplifting and welcoming this community is – so when we were asked to return, it was the easiest “yes” we’ve given all year!
It’s a brilliant way to kick off the festive season: surrounded by incredible talent from across the country, raising a glass (or two!) and celebrating the people who keep Scotland’s musical roots alive. What we’re most looking forward to is being part of a night that shines a light on Scotland’s cultural heartbeat. Traditional music has such a deep connection to place, community and storytelling – values that resonate with us as an island distillery inspired by our home here on Barra. There’s something truly special about seeing musicians from every corner of Scotland come together, sharing their craft, their pride and their heritage.
For us, the Trad Awards are also a chance to connect with the people who carry these traditions into the future – the artists, supporters, organisers, and wider community. We can’t wait to celebrate their passion and everything they bring to Scotland’s cultural landscape.
Here’s to another unforgettable year. Slàinte!
What would you say to anyone who is considering entering, voting in, watching or attending the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards?
We’d say: Siuthad! The Trad Awards are a celebration of everything that makes Scotland’s cultural landscape so vibrant – the music, the stories, the communities and the people who pour their heart into keeping our traditions alive.
If you’re thinking about entering, this is the perfect opportunity to share your craft with a wider audience. The awards shine a light on talent from every corner of the country, from rising artists to long-established musicians. Your voice and your music deserve to be heard.
If you’re considering voting, know that your vote genuinely matters. It’s a chance to support the artists and organisations that inspire you and that keep Scottish traditions thriving.
If you’re planning on watching or attending, you’re in for something special. The atmosphere is full of pride, joy and connection. It’s a real gathering of people who care deeply about Scotland’s cultural heartbeat. Whether you’re there in person or tuning in from home, you’ll feel that sense of togetherness wherever you are.
Visit their website: https://isleofbarradistillers.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.