Congratulations to St Margaret’s Braemar who has been nominated in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025. Vote now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 6th December in Aberdeen Music Hall. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Ellie of St Margaret’s Braemar the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
St Margaret’s is a unique performance, arts and heritage venue in Braemar, Scotland.
Breathing new life into this beautiful historic building has been a decade’s work for a loyal team of trustees and volunteers – transforming St Margaret’s from a neglected church into a vibrant arts and community space.
St Margaret’s Trust delivers an exciting and varied programme of events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, talks, tours, farmers’ markets and workshops.
St Margaret’s is a Category A listed building of outstanding significance within the UK for its architecture, and as a major work of Sir John Ninian Comper (1864-1960). Comper is regarded as the most important British church architect of the 20th century. Although his buildings are not prominent in Scotland, Comper is considered one of Scotland’s greatest architects.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
As a performance venue, we our programming includes all genres of music, however we do place particular emphasis on Scottish music – why wouldn’t we!
We are home to Braemar Folk Festival, which takes place every October. Additionally, we welcome traditional and folk acts throughout the year, to bring their music to the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. As a remote venue, we find it particularly important to bring Scottish music to the community, with both big names and up-and-coming acts, as well as celebrating local artists find their feet in the scene.
Any particular career highlights?
The Braemar Folk Festival this year was a particular highlight for us, as our most successful yet. We saw over 1000 unique visitors to our venue and throughout the village across the weekend. Our programme of bands included Valtos, Cahalen Morrison, TRIP, The Madeleine Stewart Trio and more.
We have a strong partnership with The Fife Arms, a local, prestigious hotel. They host their annual Literary Festival, and use St Margarets as one of their key venues. This brings a new audience through our doors, raising awareness of what we do and what we are capable of.
What are your plans for the future?
We are planning further development to the structure of the building. As a Category A listed building, we are extremely keen to preserve the charm and features of the building, whilst improving the facilities for an arts venue.
This is a very exciting time for us as we continually improve our offering for artists, and become a well-known and renowned venue for artists to perform in.
St Margaret’s Braemar Social Media
Website: https://www.stmargaretsbraemar.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMargaretsBraemar
Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/stmargaretsbraemar/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stmargaretsbraemar3903
TikTok:
The 2025 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 6th December 2025 in Aberdeen Music Hall! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here). Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night in the Granite City will also welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including beloved singer Hannah Rarity, UK folk legends The Poozies, trad pop band Mec Lir and BBC Radio scotland Young Traditional Musician and Scots Performer o the Year Ellie Beaton and many more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.