Congratulations to Mairi McGillivray 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 Mairi McGillivray 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 Mairi of Mairi McGillivray the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I’m Mairi McGillivray a traditional/folk singer originally from Islay on the west coast. I found my love for Gaelic song while growing up on Islay where I was extremely fortunate to have been part of a beautiful community of Gaelic singers and to have been passed on songs by older generations. Taking part in the Mòd through choirs and solo also played a big role in my singing at that time.
I made the move out to Glasgow in 2015 to study Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where my love for traditional song continued to grow and I was lucky to meet so many other great musicians that I would later have the joy of working with.
Since graduating I’ve been involved in so many incredible projects and been able to travel around the UK and Europe sharing my music. Being able to bring songs and stories to people has to be the best job in the world!
Any particular career highlights?
This year I released my debut album, ‘Mo Thìr’, which felt like a real highlight. Getting to bring together songs that I love with a real focus on songs from my native Islay was so special and in particular getting to do so with a group of incredible musicians. Having Kathleen MacInnes as a guest on one of the tracks was such an honour after listening to her from a young age and I still can’t quite believe it!
What are your plans for the future?
After having spent the last year developing my new album I am extremely excited to have it out there and to continue sharing the new music next year with more live audiences. I am lucky to have the amazing musicians Isla Callister (fiddle) and Sean Gray (guitar) alongside me at gigs and I hope we will have even more opportunities to tour here and away over the next few years!
Mairi McGillivray Social Media
Website: https://www.mairimcgillivray.com/
Facebook: @mairimcgillivraymusic
Instagram: @mairimcgillivraymusic
YouTube: @mairimcgillivraymusic
TikTok: @mairimcgillivraymusic
Listen to music: https://mairimcgillivray.bandcamp.com/album/mo-th-r
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.