Emma Macleod is a top winner at the Scots Trad Music Awards
1 December 2024
Emma Macleod of Scalpay has been crowned Gaelic Singer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. The Royal National Mòd double gold medallist took home the accolade at the top event celebrate Scotland’s traditional music scene.
Held on St Andrew’s Day, the awards showcased the exceptional talent and achievements within the trad music scene over the past year as Inverness Leisure was transformed into a glittering hub of celebration bursting with talent from across Scotland.
Some 116 nominees were whittled down to 26 winners, selected by 25,000 members of the public and a panel of expert judges.
Organised by Hands Up For Trad and launched in 2003, The Trad Awards, or ‘Na Trads’, celebrate musicians, bands, and industry professionals who have made significant contributions to Scotland's cultural heritage.
The first time in a decade it has been held in Inverness, the event represents the ambition, passion and determination of all those who have enriched Scotland's vibrant musical landscape over the last year.
Falasgair from Skye were on fire this year and take home the Up and Coming Artist award.
Skye Youth Pipe Band are the worthy winners of the Scottish Pipe Band of the Year while another winner from island is Ciorstaidh Beaton who was bestowed with the Musician of the Year title.
The Crùnluath / Piping Sounds radio programme presented by Michael Steele and Ewen Henderson took the Trad Music in the Media spot.
Album of the Year was this year awarded posthumously and collected on behalf of Eamonn Nugent by his friends and family who paid tribute to his incredible creativity and love of music in what was a moving moment for all in attendance.
Cultarlann Inbhir Nis won the inaugral Gaisgich na Gàidhlig (Hero of the Highlands) prize. This new honour seeks to recognise a notable voluntary organisation based in Inverness which is making an invaluable contribution to Gaelic and Highland cultural life. The development of a local Gaelic cultural centre Cultarlan Inbhir Nis was selected as a worthy recipient of the inaugural title.
Other notable awards include Live Act of the Year which, following a series of spectacular final shows saw Skye legends Niteworks take the title for the first time.
Skipinnish’s epic Edinburgh Castle show earned them Event of the Year, while Beth Malcolm picked up Scots Singer of the Year for the second time in her blossoming career.
A number of special prizes were also awarded on the night, selected by a panel of esteemed industry judges, for services to traditional music and culture. These include the Services to Gaelic Award which went to Niteworks.
Musician, composer and broadcaster, Gary Innes, was awarded the Industry Person of the Year accolade.
A number of stalwarts of the scene who have dedicated their lives to the development of music in Scotland are each year added to the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame.
Murdo ‘Wasp’ MacDonald from Shader Barvas, Lewis, has been posthumously inducted.
Others among this year’s inductees are Skye Gaelic singer Anne Martin, Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band leader Richard Parkes MBE, and influential traditional singer Sylvia Barnes.
Scots Trad Music Awards organiser Simon Thoumire said: “When you look around the Trad Awards, what you see is resilience in action. Despite not knowing what tomorrow brings, our sector continues to innovate, to create, to find new ways forward. This spirit of determination is supported by crucial partnerships.
“To our audiences, artists, nominees and sponsors: thank you. Your support for these awards allows us to promote the strength, creativity and ingenuity of our traditional music and highlight the positive impact it has on the lives of so many.
“Just now our musicians, venues, festivals, and organisations face unprecedented uncertainty. This year, more than ever, we celebrate not just excellence, but resilience. Not just tradition, but innovation. Not just where we've been, but where we're going – together.”
Catriona Hawksworth, Traditional Arts Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Na Trads is always a vibrant celebration of the ongoing innovation and diversity within Scotland's traditional music scene. This year is no exception, showcasing an exciting lineup of award winners and performers that highlight the dynamism of our thriving community.
“The Trad Awards are a fantastic opportunity to come together and honour the dedication and hard work of individuals across all roles within the sector throughout the year.”