{"id":10669,"date":"2025-12-07T11:25:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-07T11:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/?p=10669"},"modified":"2025-12-07T11:27:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-07T11:27:15","slug":"trad-musics-brightest-stars-honoured-at-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/trad-musics-brightest-stars-honoured-at-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Trad music\u2019s brightest stars honoured at MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Sian<\/a>
Sian picked up Album of the Year sponsored by Birnam CD for their sensational release, araon. \n\nPhoto: Paul Campbell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The vibrant world of Scottish traditional music celebrated its brightest stars and leading lights at the 23rd annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards <\/strong>in Aberdeen last night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event recognised an outstanding array of artists, projects and organisations for their significant contributions to preserving and advancing Scotland’s rich cultural heritage through music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year’s ceremony showcased the incredible diversity and skill within the trad music scene, with a sell-out audience of trad fans, musicians and industry supporters filling the Granite City\u2019s Music Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One week on from Gaelic and Scots being recognised as official languages of Scotland, the night honoured musicians and creatives working to promote Scotland\u2019s indigenous music, culture and tongues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tens of thousands of votes were cast to decide the 24 winners alongside a panel of judges from the list of more than 100 worthy nominees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 winners are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Album of the Year <\/strong>sponsored by <\/strong>Birnam CD<\/p>\n\n\n\n

araon<\/em><\/strong> by Sian<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ellie Beaton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Club of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North East Accordion and Fiddle Club<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community Project of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by Isle of Barra Distillers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Royal National M\u00f2d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Composer of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by PRS for Music<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Findlay Napier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by VisitScotland<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of Year – 25th Anniversary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Folk Band of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by Threads of Sound<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blazin’ Fiddles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaelic Singer of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by The Highland Society of London<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kim Carnie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industry Person of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by Active Events<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donald Shaw<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Live Act of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by SHURE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skerryvore<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Musician of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by University of the Highlands and Islands<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Siobhan Miller<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Music Tutor of the Year Award<\/strong> sponsored by the Scottish Government\u2019s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innes Watson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Original Work of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by Musicians’ Union<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Great Herdsman of Etive<\/em><\/strong> by RURA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scottish Dance Band of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ceilidh Collective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scottish Pipe Band of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by the National Piping Centre<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up and Coming Artist of the Year<\/strong> sponsored by The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D\u00e0na<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Venue of the Year <\/strong>sponsored by <\/strong>SHURE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Park Bar, Glasgow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s Na Trads see beloved Scottish band Skerryvore<\/strong> take home the Live Act of the Year award sponsored by SHURE for the fourth time, rounding off her 20th anniversary year in style, while Glasgow institution, the Park Bar<\/strong> won the Venue of the Year prize, also sponsored by SHURE, for the first time in its 130-year history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The world\u2019s largest Gaelic festival, the Royal National M\u00f2d, <\/strong>was crowned Community Project of the Year for its incredible work in bringing Gaelic communities across Scotland together in celebration of the language. Celtic Connections\u2019 Creative Producer Donald Shaw<\/strong> was also honoured, having been named Industry Person of the Year for his tireless work putting Scottish music on the world stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaelic vocal trio Sian <\/strong>lifted the coveted Album of the Year title for their sublime 2025 release, araon<\/em>, fellow all-female Glasgow group D\u00e0na <\/strong>picked up Up and Coming Artist of the Year, having won a prestigious Danny Kyle Award earlier this year, while local star Ellie Beaton<\/strong> picked up her third national award in a row as Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awards given in recognition of lifetime services to traditional music and culture, selected by an industry panel, include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Services to Gaelic Award<\/strong>, sponsored by B\u00f2rd na G\u00e0idhlig<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boyd Robertson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

David Francis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award<\/strong>, supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gerda Stevenson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New inductees into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame<\/strong>, sponsored by F\u00e8isean nan G\u00e0idheal<\/strong>, this year include former musician-in-residence at Sabhal M\u00f2r Ostaig Iain Macdonald<\/strong>, instrumentalist Andrew Rankine, Scots singer Elspeth Cowie<\/strong>, and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The awards also honoured figures supporting the traditional music community behind the scenes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photographer of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnus Graham<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recording Studio of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wee Studio, Stornoway<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Record Producer of the Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rory Matheson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trad Music in the Media<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BBC Radio Scotland – Take the Floor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scots Trad Music Awards organiser Simon Thoumire said: <\/strong>\u201cThe Scottish trad scene continues to raise its game \u2013 the creativity and calibre of talent on display is inspiring. The musicians, composers, singers, and arts workers we celebrate represent the beating heart of Scotland\u2019s cultural scene. In the face of AI and streaming, we continue to create. This is who we are \u2013 creators with original thoughts, with the power to imagine something from nothing and make it real. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith the recent recognition of Gaelic and Scots as official languages of Scotland, we are witnessing a cultural renaissance that shows our traditions are not just surviving but thriving. Together, we celebrate that creativity, resilience and spirit that define us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is always a joy to bring this community together to celebrate the immense contributions made to Scottish cultural life over the last 12 months. We are so grateful to all those who joined us, everyone who voted, our sponsors for believing in the work we do and making it possible, and the city of Aberdeen for welcoming us with open arms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret Cameron, MG ALBA Director of Content, said: <\/strong>\u201cThis year\u2019s winners embody everything that makes Scotland\u2019s traditional music so powerful. It\u2019s always a special moment to celebrate the creativity and artistry shaped by the people and places that keep these traditions thriving. As Gaelic and Scots gain greater visibility and confidence across the country, these artists and organisations are helping that cultural momentum reach even wider audiences. MG ALBA is proud to continue our longstanding sponsorship of the Scots Trad Music Awards and to bring this celebratory night and its outstanding performances to viewers on BBC ALBA.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jenni Steele, Film and Creative Industries Manager at VisitScotland, said: <\/strong>\u201cIt\u2019s hugely inspiring to see the calibre and creativity of the talent within our outstanding trad music scene.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cScots trad music is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Scotland. It offers visitors an extra layer of authenticity during their stay in Scotland \u2013 something we know is important to them – and remains a thriving, exhilarating experience embraced by Scots of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEncouraging visitors to engage with our exciting traditional music scene and the languages of the Scots, is an integral part in our work to promote Scotland as a must-visit destination.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catriona Hawksworth<\/strong>, Traditional Arts Officer <\/strong>at Creative Scotland <\/strong>said: \u201cNa Trads is a bastion of Scotland\u2019s traditional music scene and an integral force in the celebration and fostering of our cultural heritage. This year\u2019s awards line-up proves the variety and vibrancy of a thriving community, and recognition of the part it plays in Scottish culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn particular, Innes Watson\u2019s award of Music Tutor of the Year is testament to his dedication to his local community of Skye and Lochalsh, and the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award honours the decades of work Gerda Stevenson has contributed to Scots Leid that has now allowed it to be officially recognised language. These awards and the unwavering commitment of individuals involved across the sector play an important role in these huge milestones for Scotland\u2019s cultural heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hosted by Scottish personalities Mary Ann Kennedy <\/strong>and Alistair Heather<\/strong>, the night also saw live performances from piper Ross Miller<\/strong> and his band, Gaelic singer Mairi MacInnes<\/strong>, the Rory Matheson<\/strong> Dance Band<\/strong>, young musicians from Plockton Music School<\/strong> and Orkney youth project Hadhirgaan, <\/strong>songstress Hannah Rarity<\/strong>, UK folk legends The Poozies<\/strong>, Aberdeenshire singer Ellie Beaton<\/strong> and trad pop band Mec Lir<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards <\/strong>were broadcast live on BBC ALBA<\/strong> and can be watched back on BBC iPlayer or via bbc.co.uk\/alba<\/a>. For more information, visit www.scotstradmusicawards.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-ENDS-<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For media enquiries, please contact: Corrie Campbell E: corrie@corriecampbell.co.uk, M: 07900 981 0737, W: www.corriecampbell.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information, visit projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards<\/a> or follow on Instagram @handsupfortrad<\/a>, Facebook @handsupfortrad<\/a>, TikTok @handsupfortrad<\/a>, X @handsupfortrad<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notes to editors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hands Up for Trad <\/strong>exists to promote Scottish traditional music and culture through talent development, education and advocacy. Our vision is to seek and provide opportunities for more diverse artists, participants and audiences and to support everyone to enjoy, understand and participate in traditional music and culture. Our programme nurtures talent, increases access and participation, showcases quality, strengthens infrastructure, and embeds and develops Scotland’s indigenous languages into the cultural landscape as well as preserving the existing work of tradition bearers for future generations.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com<\/a>. Follow Creative Scotland on Facebook<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The vibrant world of Scottish traditional music celebrated its brightest stars and leading lights at the 23rd annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Aberdeen last night. The event recognised an outstanding array of artists, projects and organisations for their significant contributions to preserving and advancing Scotland’s rich cultural heritage through music. This year’s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11,4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-10669","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-featured","7":"category-news","8":"entry","9":"has-post-thumbnail"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10669","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10669"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10669\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10671,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10669\/revisions\/10671"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10669"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/scotstradmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}