Congratulations to BLAZIN' FIDDLES who has / have been nominated in Album of the Year sponsored by BirnamCD in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for BLAZIN' FIDDLES now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 5th December in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Jenna of BLAZIN' FIDDLES the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Take the finest exponents of their native Scottish fiddle styles, the finest backing in folk music, and some of the Highlands and Islands’ famed warmth and craic… distil for over 25 years, and you get Blazin’ Fiddles!
One of the most lauded and best-loved acts of the Scottish music scene, from the moment the multi award-winning Blazers take the stage to whisk you on a thrilling musical journey, you’re in the finest of company. The mastery of fiddle virtuosos, Jenna Reid (Shetland), Kristan Harvey (Orkney) and Rua Macmillan (Highlands), grounded by the second to none, driving accompaniment of Angus Lyon (piano) and Anna Massie (guitar), will leave you reeling.
For over a quarter of a century, no other band has quite captured Scottish fiddle music’s variety, energy and sensitivity like Blazin’ Fiddles. Atop many musical twists and turns, the group’s quicksilver playing is matched by lightning sharp humour and uproarious stories from their many tunes and travels. Whatever the hall – whether of the Royal Albert or highland village variety – they’ll turn it into the liveliest and warmest of hootenannies.
Any particular career highlights?
Blazin’ Fiddles are one of Scotland’s best-known traditional music groups, renowned for showcasing the distinctive fiddle styles of the Highlands and Islands. Formed in 1998 by Inverness musician Bruce MacGregor, the band has spent more than 25 years performing internationally, releasing albums and promoting Scottish traditional music.
Formation and musical vision — 1998
Founded by Bruce MacGregor to showcase the diversity of Scottish regional fiddle traditions.
Originally conceived as a one-off project bringing together leading fiddle players from different parts of the Highlands and Islands.
The success of the initial performances led to the group becoming a long-running ensemble, recognised for combining regional fiddle styles with energetic ensemble playing and contemporary arrangements.
Major awards and recognition
2013: Won the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Award for Folk Band of the Year, recognising their contribution to Scottish traditional music.
2018: Nominated for Album of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
2019: Nominated for Folk Band of the Year.
2025: Nominated again for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, demonstrating their continued prominence in the Scottish traditional music scene.
Prestigious performances and international touring
The band’s career has included performances at major concert halls and international festivals, including:
Royal Albert Hall, London, including appearances associated with the BBC Proms.
Celtic Connections, Glasgow, one of the UK’s leading winter music festivals.
Celtic Colours International Festival, Cape Breton, Canada.
Lorient Interceltic Festival, Brittany, France.
Ortigueira Festival, Spain.
Colours of Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Performances and collaborations with Karen Matheson, Justin Currie, Eddi Reader and many more!
Their touring has brought Scottish fiddle music to audiences across Europe, North America and beyond, spanning major festival stages and smaller community venues.
Almost 30 years of a sold out music school every year in the Highlands, Blazin' in Beauly is an incredible experience for every fiddler!
What are your plans for the future?
Blazin’ Fiddles’ future plans focus on continuing to tour, releasing new music, reaching new audiences and inspiring the next generation of traditional musicians. In their 2025 interview with Hands Up for Trad, the band highlighted their ambition to keep sharing Scottish traditional music with audiences worldwide, developing new projects and encouraging young musicians to pursue their musical ambitions.
Key future plans and developments
New music: The band launched their latest album, Incendo, at Celtic Connections in Glasgow in January 2026. It marks a new chapter for the group following founding member Bruce MacGregor’s departure from touring.
Touring and festivals: They plan to continue performing throughout Scotland and internationally, bringing their distinctive interpretation of Scottish regional fiddle traditions to established and new audiences.
Music education: Their ongoing teaching activities, including Blazin’ in Beauly, provide opportunities for musicians to develop their playing through professional tuition and shared musical experiences.
Inspiring future generations: The band has expressed a commitment to encouraging emerging musicians to develop their skills, pursue their ambitions and contribute to the future of Scottish traditional music.
BLAZIN' FIDDLES Social Media
Website: http://www.blazinfiddles.com
Facebook: @Blazin'Fiddles
Instagram: @blazin_fiddles
Listen to music: http://blazinfiddles.com
The 2026 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 5th December 2026 in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here).
Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night will welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including Valtos, Gnoss, Sian, Fèis Phàislig, Spodo Komodo and BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Rachel Groves 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.