National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs are sponsors of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025 and are sponsoring Scottish Dance Band 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 Iain Cathcart from National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs for answering these questions.
Why have you chosen to sponsor Na Trads, and what importance does the event hold for your sector?
The NAAFC is delighted to continue its long-standing association with the Scots Trad Music Awards, which are the showpiece event of the year in the Traditional music scene.
We want to be seen at the forefront of trad music, as we enter a new era for Accordion & Fiddle Clubs across the country, with a refresh of ideas, events and support for all our member clubs and individual members.
What makes your organisation tick?
The enthusiasm and drive of our new expanded Executive Committee in creating new ideas and initiatives to enhance the profile of our member clubs to a wider and more sustainable audience, whilst supporting our fifty two member clubs across the country.
We want to see Accordion & Fiddle Clubs flourish to provide platforms for individuals of all levels and ages to perform in public in a friendly and non competitive environment.
Our events calendar from annual festivals to golf days, workshops and competitions will drive our association forward in its support of A&F Clubs nationally.
What are you most looking forward to about the Trad Awards or do you have a favourite moment from over the years?
We are most looking forward to be seen at the forefront of trad music, networking, socialising and becoming more respected for who we are as an association and developing our profile to become a more modern environment for scottish dance music across the sector.
Personally we love to hear the crowd lift when a really good scottish dance band takes to the stage at the trads, we have seen many of these moments down the years, from Tom Orr to Gordon Shand, to Rory Matheson this year. People love this type of music when it is presented properly, and we as an association want to be considered equally going forward.
What would you say to anyone who is considering entering, voting in, watching or attending the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards?
All elements of trad music need to support each other, and not be labelled or pigeon-holed as something different. We all need the support and collaboration from other parts of the trad scene.
Visit their website: http://www.boxandfiddle.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.