Congratulations to Norrie MacIver 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 Norrie MacIver 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 Norrie of Norrie MacIver the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Norrie “Tago” MacIver is a Scottish singer-songwriter from Carloway on the Isle of Lewis, whose music brings together Gaelic tradition, contemporary folk and country influences. Known for his powerful, distinctive voice, he draws on his Hebridean upbringing to create songs rooted in family, community and the people and places that shape us.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Norrie has performed on stages across the world, touring throughout the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and South Korea. A graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he was a founding member of Bodega and Mànran before spending nine years as lead singer of Skipinnish, from 2016 to 2025. His time with the band included performances at Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro and many of Scotland’s leading festivals and venues.
Norrie’s contribution to Gaelic music was recognised in 2011 when he was named Gaelic Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. He received further recognition in 2021, winning the Online Performance award for the concerts that connected audiences during lockdown. Alongside his band career, he has developed his own work as a songwriter and solo performer, including his debut album, Danns an Rathaid, and his collaboration with the Glasgow Barons on Songs of Govan Old.
His latest album, Roots Beneath, places his own stories at the heart of the music. Featuring twelve original songs in English and Gaelic, it explores love, fatherhood, island life and the lasting pull of home. The weaving heritage of his father and grandfather, his Gaelic language and culture, and life with his wife and four sons all inform a collection that is deeply personal, while speaking to experiences shared far beyond the Hebrides.
Now focused on his solo career, Norrie brings together the experience of major concert stages with the warmth and storytelling of an intimate gathering. Whether performing with his guitar or accompanied by a full band, his shows combine original songs, Gaelic favourites and stories delivered with humour, honesty and an unmistakable island voice.
Any particular career highlights?
Singing to thousands of fans at the Ovo Hydro will always be a career highlight for me!
What are your plans for the future?
Right now my plan is to tour and promote my new album as much as possible. Getting more shows with the band would be great but I also really enjoy doing solo shows. Playing more international shows is something I am also looking forward tot with my first solo trip to Australia happening next year too.
Norrie MacIver Social Media
Website: https://www.norriemaciver.co.uk
Facebook: @Norrie Tago MacIver
Instagram: @Norrietago
YouTube: @NorrieTagoMacIverTV
TikTok: @Norrietago
Listen to music: http://https://norriemaciver.bandcamp.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.