Congratulations to Sam Mabbett who has / have been nominated in Musician of the Year sponsored by University of the Highlands and Islands in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for Sam Mabbett 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 Sam of Sam Mabbett the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I was born In the south of England and raised at the hands of merciless morris dancers. I took up an interest in Celtic music and in 2015, it became the centre of my life as I began my studies in Traditional Music at the The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on D/G Button Accordion in Glasgow where I now call home.
The Canny Band – our musical child was jointly produced by myself, Michael Biggins and Callum Convoy. In 2021 the band were recipients of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music ‘Up and coming’.
Every year I look forward to a performance-based holiday abroad with Jean Damei and David Lombardi in our instrumental trio 'The Unprepared' who have featured on TG4's Fleadh TV the last two years.
Recently I've been involved in the reincarnation of The Cauld Blast Orchestra which has been a challenge and a pleasure.
Any particular career highlights?
Playing with The Canny Band at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Awards in 2021 was probably the biggest highlight for me so far. It came just at the end of the pandemic and was the first time playing in front of a live audience in about 2 years. It was such an honour to play a live broadcast to friends and family at home.
In 2023 I was a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2023 where I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some of my closest friends.
What are your plans for the future?
The Canny Band have been busy putting together new material for our next album which we're hoping to have ready for the summer next year.
I'm currently working on writing material for my first ever solo album, something that has been a long time coming.
Sam Mabbett Social Media
Website:
Facebook: @sammabbett
Instagram: @bigmabbox
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.