PRS for Music are sponsors of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025 and are sponsoring Composer 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 Stuart Fleming from PRS for Music for answering these questions.
Why have you chosen to sponsor Na Trads, and what importance does the event hold for your sector?
PRS for Music has been supporting Na Trads for seventeen years now. It’s hugely important for us and gives us the opportunity to recognise the outstanding composers & songwriters we represent who are enhancing Scotland’s music on an international stage.
What makes your organisation tick?
Our primary objective is to remunerate music creators when their music is publicly performed. Part of that job is assisting our members to develop their careers and understand the complexities of copyright to enable them to maximise their income.
What are you most looking forward to about the Trad Awards or do you have a favourite moment from over the years?
Every year is different and enjoyable in so many ways. It would probably be unfair to single out a favourite moment – although I do have a couple that stand out. Probably meeting up with so many of our songwriter and composer members in a celebratory setting is a constant highlight. It’s a joy to work with music creators in the traditional folk world, as the sense of strong community prevails.
What would you say to anyone who is considering entering, voting in, watching or attending the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards?
Simple, do it!
Visit their website: https://www.prsformusic.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.