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Short list for MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards

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Talent from all corners of the Scottish folk and traditional music scene have been named among the nominees for this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. 

Around 100 nominees have been shortlisted across 22 categories as the biggest award ceremony celebrating Scotland’s traditional music scene embarks on its 23rd edition. 

Much-loved venues, stand-out events, folk bands, Gaelic singers, music tutors and more from across Scotland and beyond have been given a nod for their ambition, expertise, innovation and passion for the sector. 

The public have from today, until Sunday 16 November, to vote for their favourites at www.scotstradmusicawards.com. The winners will be named at the event at Aberdeen Music Hall on Saturday 6 December. 

The nominees are: 

Album of the Year, sponsored by Birnam CD

Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year, sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland

Club of the Year, sponsored by Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd.

Community Project of the Year, sponsored by Isle of Barra Distillers

Composer of the Year, sponsored by PRS for Music

Event of the Year, sponsored by VisitScotland

Gaelic Singer of the Year, sponsored by Highland Society of London

Industry Person of the Year

Live Act of the Year, sponsored by SHURE

Music Tutor of the Year, sponsored by Creative Scotland Youth Music Initiative

Musician of the Year, sponsored by University of the Highlands and Islands

Original Work of the Year, sponsored Musicians’ Union

Scottish Dance Band of the Year, sponsored by National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs

Scottish Folk Band of the Year, sponsored by Threads of Sound

Scottish Pipe Band of the Year, sponsored by National Piping Centre

Up and Coming Artist of the Year, sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Venue of the Year

A number of special prizes will also be awarded on the night, selected by a panel of industry judges. These include this year’s Local Hero award, which will recognise an organisation or individual who has made an invaluable contribution to Aberdeenshire cultural life. 

The Services to Gaelic Award, sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, will be awarded to Gaelic education authority, Boyd Robertson; former director of TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) David Francis will be presented with The Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award, while Scottish actress, director and writer Gerda Stevenson will receive The Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award, supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland. 

Each year, the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, sponsored by Fèisean nan Gàidheal, welcomes a group of devoted contributors who have spent their lives nurturing the growth of music in Scotland. These honorees will be celebrated during a special reception on the evening. 

Additionally, a variety of industry awards will highlight the efforts of individuals and organisations that play a vital role in supporting the sector behind the scenes. The finalists for these awards are: 

Photographer of the Year

 Trad Music in the Media, sponsored by Glasgow Caledonian University

Recording Studio of the Year

Record Producer of the Year

Scots Trad Music Awards organiser Simon Thoumire said: “The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are a true celebration of the incredible talent, passion, and dedication that make Scotland’s traditional music scene so vibrant and unique. This year’s nominees represent the top of the trad charts, showcasing the diversity and creativity of our community, from inspiring young artists and seasoned performers, to grassroots projects and world-class events. We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on their achievements and invite the public to join us in celebrating their contributions by casting their votes. It’s going to be an unforgettable night in Aberdeen, filled with music, celebration and recognition for all those who make Scotland’s homegrown music scene so special.” 

Margaret Cameron, MG ALBA Director of Content, said: “Each year, the Scots Trad Music Awards remind us just how rich, innovative and far-reaching Scotland’s traditional music community has become. From grassroots projects and youth initiatives to world-class performances on global stages, our artists continue to inspire and evolve while keeping language and heritage at their heart. As longstanding sponsors, MG ALBA is proud to stand alongside this creative movement, showcasing its talent on BBC ALBA and celebrating the voices, stories and music that keep Gaelic and Scotland’s culture alive and thriving.” 

Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night in the Granite City will also welcome live performances from beloved singer Hannah Rarity, UK folk legends The Poozies, trad pop band Mec Lir and Aberdeenshire singer Ellie Beaton. Rory Matheson will lead his Scottish Dance Band, while young musicians from Plockton Music School and Orkney youth project Hadhirgaan will also perform. 

The event is delivered by Scottish cultural advocacy organisation Hands Up For Trad and made possible with funding and support from Creative Scotland and MG ALBA. Category sponsors include VisitScotland, Isle of Barra Distillers, PRS for Music, Youth Music Initiative and the Highland Society of London. 

The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards will take place at Aberdeen Music Hall on Saturday 6 December 2025. The awards will be broadcast on BBC ALBA from 9pm. Tickets are on sale at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards. 

Voting is open until Sunday 16 November, to vote for their favourites at www.scotstradmusicawards.com.

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