Well, we’re not long back from what was an amazing weekend in Inverness at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. There is nothing quite like Na Trads, the Scots know how to party and on Saturday night they did everyone proud. I’ve taken many great memories from that evening.
The whole event was so well organised thanks to Simon Thoumire and his team which included the likes of Jennifer McGlone who we had the pleasure of spending some time with and who also runs Glow Arts, I don’t know where they all get their energy from, seriously.
Considering I’m writing this a couple of days later, I’m still left with an enduring memory of how supportive of each other everyone was and what an incredible sense of community they all had. I’ve never come across anything quite like it and it’s this that left me with such a warm glow, Scotland’s musical culture is in very good hands. So although Folk Radio didn’t win the Media category (that honour went to Isle FM), to have been shortlisted as a nominee is an incredible honour, it really has made our year.
Rather than give you all a blow-by-blow account of the night I recommend you go and watch the highlights on BBC Alba here. What you don’t see on film of course is the little parties starting around the hall as award winners are announced. Our table included Jim Sutherland and close friends/family who picked up Composer of the Year. That was quite an experience and helped get the party going for us.
I was joined on the night by John Gray (Baylis-Gray) whose film-work has featured on Folk Radio UK as well as Neil McFadyen, one of our Scottish reviewers. During the course of the weekend a plan for a project was hatched between us, one that will focus on the Scottish music scene. I can’t say too much more at this stage other than it will involve a very special journey, one that will attempt to capture the essence of what made that evening so magical. We all walked away very inspired and that says a lot about the night.
L-R: Eilidh Shaw (The Poozies), Alex Gallacher (Folk Radio), John Gray (Baylis Gray) and Inge Thompson
Here are the winners and some photo’s by the wonderful Louis DeCarlo who was also great company!
Album of the Year sponsored by Birnam CD – Live at Celtic Connections by Duncan Chisholm
Club of the Year sponsored by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland- Tin Hut Sessions
Composer of the Year sponsored by PRS for Music – Jim Sutherland
Community Project of the Year sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust – Summer Isles Festival
Event of the Year sponsored by VisitScotland – GRIT: The Martyn Bennett Story
Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by Macmeanmna – Mischa Macpherson
Instrumentalist of the Year sponsored by Royal Scottish Country Dance Society – Catriona McKay
Live Act of the Year sponsored by Greentrax Recordings – Skipinnish
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association – Emily Smith
Scottish Dance Band of the Year sponsored by National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs – Da Fustra
Scottish Folk Band of the Year sponsored by Threads of Music – Julie Fowlis
(No photo as on TV link-up on the night)
Pipe Band of the Year sponsored by The National Piping Centre – West Lothian Schools pipe band
Trad Music in the Media sponsored by Skipinnish – Isles FM
Music Tutor of the Year sponsored by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative – Douglas Montgomery
Up and Coming Artist of the Year sponsored by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – The Elephant Sessions
Venue of the Year Award – The Ceilidh Place
projects.scottishcultureonline.com/handsupfortrad/
All photos courtesy of Louis DeCarlo