Scots Trad Music Awards Explained

Awarded For:	Scottish traditional music
Sponsor:	MG ALBA
Country:	Scotland
Presenter:	Hands Up for Trad
Network:	BBC ALBA

The Scots Trad Music Awards or Na Trads were founded in 2003 by Simon Thoumire to celebrate Scotland's traditional music in all its forms and create a high profile opportunity to bring the music and music industry into the spotlight of media and public attention. Nominations are made by the public and in 2019 over 100,000 public votes were expected across 18 categories.^[1]

The awards are organised by Thoumire's organisation Hands Up for Trad. Since 2008 the awards have been sponsored by MG Alba, and the event is televised on BBC Alba.

Since 2019 the ceremony has including the awarding of The Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Scottish Music, sponsored by Belhaven Brewery. The prize consists of £25,000, an ale brewed with the winner's name on it, an appearance at an event at Tartan Week in New York and the use of the winner's music in an advertising campaign. The cash prize is the largest music prize in Scotland, matched only by the Mercury Prize.^[2]

Award winners

2023

Album of the Year: Duncan Chisholm - Black Cuillin
Musician of the Year: Julie Fowlis
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Iona Fyfe
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Eilidh Cormack
Live Act of the Year: Trail West
Scottish Dance Band: Iain MacPhail
Scottish Folk Band: Blazin’ Fiddles
Scottish Pipe Band: The Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band.
Up and Coming Artist: The Shands
Original Work: The Clearances Again by Donald Francis MacNeil and Skipinnish
Club of the Year: The Gaitherin South Sessions in Glasgow
Venue of the Year: The Tolbooth, Stirling
Event of the Year: Orkney Folk Festival
Community Project of the Year: Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail
Trad Music in the Media BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk
Composer of the Year: Heidi Talbot
Music Tutor of the Year: Domhnall Bàn MacDonald.
Sue Wilson New Writer Award: Angus MacPhail of The Oban Times
Services to Gaelic Award: John Urquhart
The Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award: Donald Smith
Graphics Designer of the Year: Somhairle MacDonald
Traditional Music Enabler of the Year: Mhari McLeman of Shetland Folk Festival
Photographer of the Year: Euan Robertson Photography
Venue Technician of the Year: Gary Craig of The Ceilidh Place

2022

The ceremony was held at the Caird Hall in Dundee.^[3]

Event of the Year: Hebcelt Festival (Lewis)
Album of The Year: For The Night by Elephant Sessions
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Beth Malcolm
Club of The Year: Aberdeen Folk Club
Community Music Project of the Year: Isle of Arran Music School
Composer of the Year: Rachel Newton, Lauren MacColl (Heal & Harrow)
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Ruairidh Gray
Lighting Designer of the Year: Greig Shankland
Live Act of the Year: Skerryvore
Live Sound Engineer of the Year: Scott Turnbull
Music Producer of the Year: Anna Massie
Music Tutor of the Year: Charlie Mckerron
Musician of the Year: Megan Henderson
Original Work of the Year: Talamh Beò – Living Land, commissioned by Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape Partnership Scheme
Recording Studio of the Year: GloWorm Recording (Glasgow)
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Alan Crookston Band
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Breabach
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: Inveraray and District Pipe Band
Services to Gaelic: Dr Anne Lorne Gillies
Studio Engineer of the Year: Keith Morrison (Wee Studio)
The Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Awards: Caroline Maclennan from HebCelt Festival
The Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language: Anne Donovan
Trad Music in the Media: Heading West: a story about a band called Shooglenifty
Trad Video of the Year: She Moves Me by Kim Carnie
Up & Coming Artist of the Year: Valtos
Venue of the Year: Knoydart Community Hall

2021

The ceremony was held at the Engine Works in Glasgow.^[4]

Original Work of the Year: 7 Years Old by Calum MacPhail
Community Project of the Year: Riddell Fiddles’ Two Towns Housing Estate Youth Musical Outreach Programme
Event of the Year: Celtic Connections
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Kim Carnie
Musician of the Year: Iona Fyfe
Online Performance of 2021: Norrie "Tago" MacIver Live Streams
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Ellie Beaton
Trad Video of the Year: Doddies Dream by Bruce MacGregor
Trad Music in the Media: Ceòl is Cràdh (Mental health in musicians’ documentary) on BBC Alba.
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: The Canny Band
Music Tutor of the Year: Craig Muirhead, Director of Piping and Drumming at Strathallan School
Album of the Year: Where the World Is Thin by Kris Drever

2020

The awards had been due to be staged in the Caird Hall Dundee, but were moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and presented by Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy. The categories were also adapted for the circumstances.^[5] ^[6] ^[7]

Album of The Year: The Woods by Hamish Napier
Original Work of the Year: Everyday Heroes by Skerryvore
Community Music Project of the Year: "Tunes in the Hoose"
Event of the Year Award: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 20th Anniversary Concert (Celtic Connections)

Gaelic Singer of the Year: Fionnag NicChoinnich (Fiona MacKenzie)
Musician of the Year: Tim Edey
Online Performance of 2020: Duncan Chisholm's Covid Ceilidh
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Siobhan Miller
Trad Video of the Year: Calum Dan's Transit Van by Peat & Diesel
Trad Music in the Media: Anna Massie – Black Isle Correspondent
Up & Coming artist of the Year: Rebecca Hill
Music Tutor of the Year: Josie Duncan
Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award: James Robertson
Services to Gaelic Award: John Smith (BBC Television)
Hamish Henderson Award for Services to Traditional Music: Lisa Whytock

2019

The awards were staged in Aberdeen.^[8]

Album of the Year: Frenzy of the Meeting by Breabach
The Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Scottish Music: Kinnaris Quintet
Club of the Year: Sutherland Sessions
Composer of the Year: Jenna Reid
Community Project of the Year: SEALL Festival of Small Halls
Event of the Year: Tiree Music Festival
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Mary Ann Kennedy
Musician of the Year: Jenn Butterworth
Live Act of the Year: Peat and Diesel
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Steve Byrne
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: The Cruickshank Family Band
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Blazin' Fiddles
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: Inveraray & District Pipe Band
Trad Video of the Year: Heroes by Tide Lines
Music Tutor of the Year: Iain Ruari Finlayson, Skye Schools
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Man of the Minch
Venue of the Year Award: An Tobar (Mull)
The Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award: Dr. Peter Cooke
Services to Gaelic: Anne Soutar
The Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language: Sheena Blackhall

2018

The awards were staged in Perth and broadcast live on BBC Alba.^[9]

Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Scottish Music: Talisk
Album of the Year : Sandwood by Duncan Chisholm
Club of the Year: Partick Folk Club
Composer of the Year: Duncan Chisholm
Community Project of the Year: Care for a Ceilidh
Event of the Year: Far Far from Ypres
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Eilidh Cormack
Instrumentalist of the Year: Calum Stewart
Live Act of the Year: Elephant Sessions
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Iona Fyfe
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Susan MacFadyen
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Dàimh
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: Inveraray & District Pipe Band
Trad Music in the Media: Pipeline, BBC Radio Scotland
Music Tutor of the Year: Anna Wendy Stevenson
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Assynt
Venue of the Year Award: Drygate Brewery, Glasgow
Services to Gaelic: Runrig
The Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award: Pete Shepheard
Services to Scots Language: Janet Paisley

2017

The awards were staged at Lagoon Centre, Paisley and broadcast live on BBC Alba.^[10]

Album of the Year: All We Have Is Now by Elephant Sessions
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Siobhan Miller
Club of the Year: Edinburgh Folk Club
Community Project of the Year: Tiree Songbook
Composer of the Year: Adam Sutherland
Dance Band of the Year: Duncan Black Band
Event of the Year: A Night for Angus (Shooglenifty at Celtic Connections)
Folk Band of the Year: Talisk
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Robert Robertson
Instrumentalist of the Year: Gary Innes
Live Act of the Year: Skipinnish
Music Tutor of the Year: Emma Tomlinson
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: Inveraray & District Pipe Band
Trad Music in the Media: BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Hò-rò
Venue of the Year: Tolbooth, Stirling

2016

The awards were staged at Caird Hall, Dundee and broadcast live on BBC Alba.^[11]

Album of the Year: Astar by Breabach
Club of the Year: Stonehaven Folk Club
Composer of the Year: Kris Drever
Community Project of the Year: Feis Rois Life Long Learning Project
Event of the Year: Piping Live! Festival, Glasgow
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Ellen MacDonald
Instrumentalist of the Year: Rachel Newton
Live Act of the Year: Skerryvore
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Lori Watson
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Trail West
Folk Band of the Year: Breabach
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe Band
Trad Music in the Media: BBC Radio Scotland's Take the Floor
Music Tutor of the Year: Jim Hunter
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Ryan Young
Venue of the Year: The Glad Café, Glasgow

2015

The awards were staged at Caird Hall, Dundee and broadcast live on BBC Alba.^[12]

Album of the Year: Grind by Treacherous Orchestra
Club of the Year: Orkney Accordion and Fiddle Club
Composer of the Year: Ross Ainslie
Community Project of the Year: Live Music Now Scotland
Event of the Year: GRIT: Celtic Connections Opening Concert
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Griogair Labhruidh
Instrumentalist of the Year: Mairi Campbell
Live Act of the Year: RURA
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Fiona Hunter
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Simon Howie
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Dàimh
Pipe Band of the Year: Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band
Trad Music in the Media: Port, BBC Alba
Music Tutor of the Year: Jenn Butterworth
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: League of Highland Gentlemen
Venue of the Year Award: SEALL at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

2014

The awards were staged at the Inverness Leisure Centre and broadcast live on BBC Alba.^[13]

Album of the Year: Live at Celtic Connections by Duncan Chisholm
Club of the Year: Tin Hut Sessions
Composer of the Year: Jim Sutherland
Community Project of the Year: Summer Isles Festival
Event of the Year: GRIT: The Martyn Bennett Story
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Mischa Macpherson
Instrumentalist of the Year: Catriona McKay
Live Act of the Year: Skipinnish
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Emily Smith
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Da Fustra
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Julie Fowlis
Pipe Band of the Year: West Lothian Schools pipe band
Trad Music in the Media: Isles FM
Music Tutor of the Year: Douglas Montgomery
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: The Elephant Sessions
Venue of the Year Award: The Ceilidh Place

2013

The 2013 ceremony was held in Aberdeen.^[14]

Album of the Year: Room Enough For All by Battlefield Band
Club of the Year: Folklub
Composer of the Year: Donald Shaw
Community Project of the Year: Gizzen Briggs (Tain Royal Academy)
Event of the Year: Tiree Music Festival
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Rachel Walker
Instrumentalist of the Year: Chris Stout (Shetland)
Live Act of the Year: Breabach
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Siobhan Miller
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Trail West
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Blazin' Fiddles
Pipe Band of the Year: Ullapool and District Junior Pipe Band
Trad Music in the Media: Travelling Folk, BBC Radio Scotland
Music Tutor of the Year: Corrina Hewat (Borders)
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Robert Robertson
Venue of the Year Award: National Piping Centre, Glasgow

2012

Album of the Year: Cille Bhrìde (Kilbride) by Kathleen MacInnes
Club of the Year: Falkirk Folk Club
Composer of the Year: Mike Vass
Community Project of the Year: Feis Rois Local and National Ceilidh Trail 2012
Event of the Year: Scots Fiddle Festival
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Riona Whyte
Instrumentalist of the Year: Duncan Chisholm
Live Act of the Year: Session A9
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Paul McKenna
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Deoch 'n' Dorus
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Breabach
Pipe Band of the Year: George Watson's College Pipes and Drums
Trad Music in the Media: Julie Fowlis for Brave
Music Tutor of the Year: Gillian Frame
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Niteworks
Venue of the Year Award: Bogbain Farm, Inverness

2011

The ceremony was held in the Perth Concert Hall.^[15]

Album of the Year: Mànran by Mànran
Club of the Year: Leith Folk Club
Composer of the Year: Aidan O'Rourke
Community Project of the Year: Blazin' in Beauly
Event of the Year: Orkney Folk Festival
Instrumentalist of the Year: Innes Watson
Live Act of the Year: Skerryvore
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Siobhan Miller
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Norrie MacIver
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Battlefield Band
Pipe Band of the Year: Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Robern Nairn
Trad Music in the Media Award: Transatlantic Sessions
Music Tutor of the Year: Mairi Campbell
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: RURA
Venue of the Year: Ben Nevis^[16]

2010

Album of the Year: Uam by Julie Fowlis
Club of the Year: Highland Club (Inverness)
Composer of the Year: Iain Morrison
Community Project of the Year: Orkney Traditional Music Project
Event of the Year: Shetland Folk Festival
Instrumentalist of the Year: Martin O'Neill
Live Act of the Year: Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Joe Aitken
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Eilidh Mackenzie
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Malinky
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: Oban High School Pipe Band
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Ian Muir Scottish Dance Band
Trad Music in the Media Award: Travelling Folk, BBC Radio Scotland
Music Tutor of the Year: Gordon Connell
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Matheu Watson
Venue of the Year: Skipinnish Ceilidh House, Oban

2009

Album of the Year: All Dressed in Yellow by Fiddlers' Bid
Club of the Year: Stonehaven Folk Club
Composer of the Year: Mairearad Green
Community of the Year: Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail
Event of the Year: Hebridean Celtic Festival
Instrumentalist of the Year: Lauren MacColl
Live Act of the Year: Lau
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Shona Donaldson
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Christine Primrose
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Bodega
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: Haddington Pipe Band
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Tom Orr Scottish Dance Band
Trad Music in the Media Award: The Reel Blend (BBC Radio Scotland)
Music Tutor of the Year: Ian Duncan
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Paul McKenna Band
Venue of the Year: The Old Fruit Market Glasgow

2008

Album of the Year: Farrar by Duncan Chisholm
Composer of the Year: Blair Douglas
Live Act of the Year: Peatbog Faeries
Instrumentalist of the Year: Kris Drever
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Margaret Stewart
Club of the Year: The Wee Folk Club, Edinburgh
Community Project of the Year: Ceolas
Event of the Year: Piping Live! - Glasgow International Piping Festival
Services to Industry Award: Arthur Cormack
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Emily Smith
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Skipinnish
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: The Chair
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: ScottishPower Pipe Band
Strathspey and Reel Society of the Year: Scottish Fiddle Orchestra
Venue of the Year: Perth Concert Hall

2007

Album of the Year: Cuilidh by Julie Fowlis
Composer of the Year: Phil Cunningham
Live Act of the Year:Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Instrumentalist of the Year: Catriona McKay
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Maeve Mackinnon
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Julie Fowlis
Club of the Year: Ceol's Craic, Glasgow
Community Project of the Year: Scots Music Group
Event of the Year: The Royal National Mod
Services to Industry Award: John Purser for Scotland's Music – A Radio History
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Mairi Campbell
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Cullivoe Dance Band
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Old Blind Dogs
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: The Mid Argyll Pipe Band
Strathspey and Reel Society of the Year: Fochabers Fiddlers
Venue of the Year: An Lanntair (Stornoway)

2006

Album of the Year: Heart of America by Donnie Munro
Club of the Year: Wick Accordion and Fiddle Club
- Composer of the Year: Donald Shaw Community Project of the Year: Fèisean nan Gàidheal
Event of the Year: World Pipe Band Championships
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Kathleen MacInnes
Instrumentalist of the Year: Aidan O'Rourke
Live Act of the Year: The McCalmans
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Sylvia Barnes
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Marian Anderson Scottish Dance Band
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Anna Massie Band
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: Kintyre Schools Pipe Band
Services to Industry Award: Johnny Mowat
Strathspey and Reel Society of the Year: Banchory Strathspey and Reel Society
The McEwan's Sessions Venue of the Year: The Lismore, Glasgow
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Jenna Cumming

2005

Album of the Year: Magnificent Seven by Blazin' Fiddles
Club of the Year: Glenfarg Folk Club
Composer of the Year: Charlie McKerron
Community Project of the Year: Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop
Event of the Year: Blazin' in Beauly
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Julie Fowlis
Instrumentalist of the Year: Aaron Jones
Live Act of the Year: Peatbog Faeries
Media Award: Aig Cridhe Ar Ciuil (At the Heart of our Music is Song)
Scots Singer of the Year: Jim Reid
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Gordon Shand and his Scottish Dance Band
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Back of the Moon
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: The House of Edgar Shotts & Dykehead Pipe Band
Services to Industry Award: MusicScotland
The McEwan's Sessions Venue of the Year: Hootananny, Inverness
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Jenna Reid

2004

Album of the Year: Fire & Grace by Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas
BBC Radio Scotland Personality of the Year: Fiona Mackenzie
Community Project of the Year: Feis Rois Traditional Music in Schools project
Club of the Year: Hootananny, Inverness
Event of the Year: Hebridean Celtic Festival
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Maggie MacInnes
Instrumentalist of the Year: Fred Morrison
Journalist of the Year: Sue Wilson
Live Act of the Year: Blazin' Fiddles
The Media Award: Take the Floor (BBC Radio Scotland)
Retailer of the Year: Foot Stompin Celtic Music
Scots Singer of the Year: Dick Gaughan
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Da Fustra
Folk Band of the Year: Old Blind Dogs
Pipe Band of the Year: Kirkwall City Pipe Band
Songwriter of the Year: Jim Malcolm
Up and Coming Band of the Year: Dòchas

2003

Best Album: Cliar by Cliar
Best Scots Singer: Karine Polwart
Best Gaelic Singer: Karen Matheson
Best Instrumentalist: Phil Cunningham
Best Scottish Dance Band: Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band
Best Pipeband: ScottishPower Pipe Band
Best Folk Band: Capercaillie
Best Festival: Celtic Connections
Best Club: Shetland Accordion Club
Best Live Act: Battlefield Band
Best Up and Coming Artist/Band: Back of the Moon
Radio/TV Show of the year: Travelling Folk, BBC Radio Scotland
Retailer of the year: Coda Music
Media Award: The Living Tradition
Services to Traditional Music: Hamish Henderson

External links

Notes and References

Web site: Voting open for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019 nominations & Top 20 Albums Longlist, as the awards return to Aberdeen with a stellar line-up . TRACS . 11 January 2020.
Web site: Belhaven Bursary for Innovation Award 2019 shortlist announced . Medium . 11 January 2020.
News: Alexander . Michael . Full list of Scots Trad Music Award winners as Dundee event pays tribute to Fife's Rab Noakes . 20 February 2023 . The Courier.
Web site: MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards Winners 2021 . Folk Radio . 23 March 2022.
Web site: Winners Announced for 2020 Scots Trad Music Awards . . 15 December 2020 . 2020-12-15.
News: Hutchison . Caitlin . NHS charity single among winners in Scots Trad Music Awards . 15 December 2020 . . 2020-12-13.
News: Cassidy . Jane . Scots trad music scene stars honoured at MG ALBA Awards . 15 December 2020 . . 2020-12-14.
Web site: Winners of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019 . Folk Radio . 10 January 2020.
News: Winners Announced for MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2018. 2 December 2018. Hands Up for Trad. 2 Dec 2018.
News: TRAD TRIUMPH IN PAISLEY – WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED FOR MG ALBA SCOTS TRAD MUSIC AWARDS 2017 – Scots Trad Music Awards . Hands Up for Trad . 3 December 2017 . 1 Jan 2018.
News: MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2016 – Live Review and Winners . Folk Radio UK . 6 December 2016 . 5 July 2017.
News: MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards – Live Review and Winners . Folk Radio UK . 7 December 2015 . 5 July 2016.
News: Trad Music Awards: Martyn Bennett Story victorious . Brian . Ferguson . The Scotsman . 13 December 2014 . 5 July 2016.
News: Donald Shaw honoured at Scots Trad Music Awards . Brian . Ferguson . The Scotsman . 8 December 2013 . 30 July 2016.
News: Scots Trad Music Awards, Perth Concert Hall . Rob . Adams . The Herald . 5 December 2011 . 30 July 2016.
Web site: Thoumire . Simon . Blog Winners Announced At The Mg Alba Scots Trad Music Awards . Scottish Culture Online . 2011-12-04 . 2012-02-23.