Congratulations to The People’s Parish: Morton 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 Emly of The People’s Parish: Morton the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
The aim of the People’s Parish is to inspire and support creative neighbourhood projects in each of Scotland’s 871 civil parishes, connecting local stories, traditions and cultural memory with the distinct local voices, culture and creativity of our places today. After working with an artist in the medium of their choice to make the creative work, communities’ contributions are gathered together to give a people’s account of Scotland in the 21st century.
The People’s Parish: Morton is based in Nithsdale, Dumfries and Galloway and is led by singer and musician Emily Smith. Since beginning the project Emily has interviewed some of the oldest residents of Morton parish, worked with the local school children and engaged with the public on what Morton Parish means to them. Thornhill Lego club ‘built Thornhill’ and the community celebrated World Gaelic Week with a sold out family ceilidh. During Thornhill Gala Week in July 2025 the project hosted ‘Thornhill Gala 1950’ – 25 minutes of collated archive footage of Thornhill Gala Parade and Thornhill Agricultural Show, which at one time attracted 12000 people to the small village. This was accompanied by a vintage afternoon tea in the setting of Old School Thornhill, the lovingly restored original village primary school. The project’s finale event, a Community Concert and Ceilidh, will be held in OST on Sunday 23rd November showcasing local musicians and artists performing songs, tunes and poetry inspired by Morton Parish.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
The creative fieldworker for The People’s Parish:Morton is Emily Smith. Each People’s Parish works with an artist in a medium of their choice. Emily grew up in Morton parish, having been a professional musician working mainly in the folk and traditional music scene for over twenty years, she continues to live in the area with her family drawing inspiration from the landscape and history of the local area.
Any particular career highlights?
Dumfriesshire born singer and musician Emily Smith has released eight solo albums and toured worldwide with her blend of traditional and original songs. Her accolades include BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the year and twice winner of Scots Singer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. Emily has performed with many musical greats including Richard Thompson, Barbara Dickson, Jerry Douglas and Mary Chapin Carpenter. TV and radio appearances include Transatlantic Sessions, BBC Songs of Praise, BBC Radio 2’s Good Morning Sunday and Bob Harris Show.
Alongside her performing career Emily I passionate about music making in her local community. She delivers workshops and teaching resources for music in primary schools across South West Scotland as part of the Youth Music Initiative. She also runs a pre-school music class and works for Dumfries & Galloway Council as Gaelic Development Officer.
What are your plans for the future?
The People’s Parish: Morton holds their finale event at the end of November 2025 with a Community Concert and Ceilidh. However, the research and other events that have been held during the project have only just touched the potential of celebrating the heritage of Morton Parish, work which Emily hopes to continue as and when life allows. With community events at its core, local people are actively participating in learning about and preserving their heritage through creative events.
The People’s Parish: Morton Social Media
Website: https://www.peoplesparish.scot
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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.