Congratulations to Iain Cormack who has / have been nominated in Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by Highland Society of London in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for Iain Cormack 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 Iain of Iain Cormack the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I have been hearing and singing Gaelic songs for as long as I can remember! I started singing Gaelic songs and competing at Mòds, National and Local, from the age of 5. I grew up in a family of Gaelic singers. My mother Shona, and my father, Arthur, have been, for my whole life, a huge encouragement in my singing, as well as the singing of my two siblings, Ruairidh and Eilidh.
I also run a series of cèilidhs in Portree throughout the year, giving many local Gaelic singers and artists a platform to perform regularly and locally.
In addition to singing solo, I am also a long-time choral singer, having sung for several years with the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association and Portree Gaelic Choir. I assumed the role of Musical Director of the Portree Gaelic Choir following the Mòd in 2025.
Any particular career highlights?
I won the An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal at the Royal National Mòd in Paisley in 2023, and completed the double at this year's Mòd in Glasgow, winning the Traditional Gold Medal. I was conductor as the Portree Gaelic Choir secured the Margrat Duncan Memorial Trophy at this year's Mòd in Glasgow – the choir's first major honour at the Mòd in 47 years.
In addition to Mòds, I am also a former BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year semi-finalist. I have also represented Alba at the Pan Celtic International Festival both as part of a group and as a soloist in the traditional competition in 2025.
Performing the concert Suas Leis a' Ghàidhlig – A Celebration of Gaelic Song for the Blas Finale in 2025 in Eden Court was a fantastic moment, and getting to perform it again at Celtic Connections at the beginning of the year was also special – this also marked my debut Celtic Connections concert. I had a great time being part of In the Tradition at Celtic Connections this year as well – a concert celebrating a new generation of traditional Scottish musicians. More recently, I thoroughly enjoyed a wee family affair as we performed Cèilidh le Na Cormacks at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow last month.
What are your plans for the future?
I am looking forward to representing Alba once more in next year's Pan Celtic International Festival in Carlow in 2027 in the Traditional Solo Singing competition.
I am hoping to begin working towards an album at some stage next year.
I am hoping to begin another series of cèilidhs in Portree next year, along with a few more gigs here and there!
Iain Cormack Social Media
Website:
Facebook: @iainceol
Instagram: @iainceol
TikTok: @iainceol
Listen to music: http://
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.