Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland (TMSA) are sponsors of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025 and are sponsoring Citty Finlayson Scots 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 Fiona Campbell from Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland (TMSA) for answering these questions.
Why have you chosen to sponsor Na Trads, and what importance does the event hold for your sector?
The TMSA has been a sponsor since the Scots Trad Music Awards/Na Trads began. We chose to sponsor a singing related reward and the fit is good with the Scots language as it is one of the specialisms of the TMSA, especially with our strong presence in the North East of Scotland. We renamed the sponsorship the Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year Award to honour the memory of Citty who had been a National Convener (Chair) and powerful force behind the Auchtermuchty Branch and Festival. The event has proven to be a great showcase of the Scots trad and folk scene here in Scotland as well as further afield.
What makes your organisation tick?
The TMSA aims to promote, preserve and present the music and song traditions of Scotland which drives our activity at both national and local branch level. Our activity ranges from some of the longest running folk festivals, sessions, workshops, concerts, tours and competitions organised mainly by dedicated member volunteers with a passion for sharing trad and folk and encouraging other to take part. We usually produce a printed TMSA Event Calendar each year alongside website and social media listings to help people find out what's on. THe next edition is expected in Spring 2026. Visit www.tmsa.scot for details.
What are you most looking forward to about the Trad Awards or do you have a favourite moment from over the years?
One of the great aspects of the Trad Awards is getting catch up other people in the trad scene that you might not always get to see. It has been described as the sector's 'office party' by some!
What would you say to anyone who is considering entering, voting in, watching or attending the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards?
Just dae it!
Visit their website: https://www.tmsa.scot
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.