Congratulations to The Ceilidh Place who has / have been nominated in Venue of the Year Award in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for The Ceilidh Place 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 Joan of The Ceilidh Place the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
The Ceilidh Place is a hotel, bunkhouse and Arts Venue (bookshop, gallery and entertainment space) that has been supporting and promoting Traditional Music alongside all the other art forms since 1970.
From humble beginnings as a cafe with some entertainment, we have grown to be a regular stop on Highland tours for artists as diverse as An Dannsa Dub to Siobhann Miller. We've been around long enough to have promoted both Gaberlunzie and The Elephant Sessions at the beginnings of their careers – with a host of others along the way!
Any particular career highlights?
We've hosted many acts as they grow into their identities, from Martyn Bennett and his early work with classical musicians, through Croft No. Five and their pioneering work in 'nu-trad Celtic fusion'. We've always been open to promoting new takes, new voices and looking after musicians and artistes as they showcase their work to new audiences.
What are your plans for the future?
Simply to continue to champion new music and support the next generation of Traditional music purveyors, from 'Ape House' and the students of Plockton Centre for Excellence while offering audiences in Ullapool the chance to see exciting acts in a warm and intimate venue.
The Ceilidh Place Social Media
Website: http://www.theceilidhplace.com
Facebook: @theceilidhplace
Instagram: @theceilidhplace
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.