Congratulations to Kim Carnie who has been nominated in Album of the Year sponsored by Birnam CD in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for Kim 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 Kim of Kim Carnie the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I’m a singer, singing with my own band and with Mànran. With my own band, we mainly play Gaelic material – melodies I’ve written to old poetry. We lean into a more world music sound, which I just love with Gaelic, feels right for me. And with Mànran, I sing a good mix of Gaelic (mainly faster puirt à beul party vibes) and some newer material that is leaning further towards Scottish folk pop…
Other than that, I really love any opportunity to collaborate with other musicians, particularly cross-culturally. Some highlights for me have been with Seckou Keita and Trio Da Kali (Mali). For me, Gaelic is a wee key in the door for those kinds of opportunities, I think Gaelic feels so at home in that space.
Any particular career highlights?
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling of walking out onto the Hydro stage the first year Mànran played there. Watching thousands of people lose their minds over puirt à beul, honestly, was one of my favourite moments. The tagline of the night was ‘Let’s make history’ and it felt like everyone in that room truly did that – both the bands and audience.
Being invited to join the Transatlantic Sessions tour a couple of years ago – that had been on my dream gig bucket list for a long time. Loved every single second of it. Another was playing Carnegie Hall in New York last year. A massive pinch me moment – what an honour to play such an iconic, prestigious and stunning room. And bringing in the bells on BBC Scotland’s Hogmanay show – singing Auld Lang Syne. Literally something I had wanted to do since childhood.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m always just writing away. Currently writing for both my own band and Mànran. Looking ahead to next year, both bands are already pretty busy throughout the year with tours and gigs – so will just be looking to squeeze as much chilled out creative time in around the gigs as I can. My main objective is always just to enjoy as much of it as I can while the going is good.
Kim Carnie Social Media
Website: http://www.kimcarnie.com
Facebook: @kimcarnie
Instagram: @kimcarnie
YouTube: @kimcarniemusic
TikTok: @kimcarnie
Listen to music link: http://open.spotify.com/artist/3aEvUpNodEl3NLNZw5TU8Y
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.