Scots Trad Music Awards

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.
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 included 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.

Award winners

2024

Album of the Year: The Waiting Room by Eamonn Nugent
Event of the Year: Skipinnish at Edinburgh Castle
Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Beth Malcolm
Club of the Year: Ardersier International Folk Club, Moray
Community Project of the Year: Fèis air an Oir
Composer of the Year: Alec Dalglish
Gaelic Singer of the Year: Emma 'Scalpay' MacLeod
Live Act of the Year: Niteworks
Music Tutor of the Year: Douglas Montgomery
Musician of the Year: Ciorstaidh Beaton
Original Work of the Year: Ar Cànan 's ar Ceòl by Trail West
Scottish Dance Band of the Year: Pure Scotch Ceilidh Band
Scottish Folk Band of the Year: The Paul McKenna Band
Scottish Pipe Band of the Year: Skye Youth Pipe Band
Trad Music in the Media: Crùnluath / Piping Sounds with Michael Steele & Ewen Henderson
Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Falasgair
Venue of the Year: Eden Court, Inverness

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.

Event of the Year: Hebcelt Festival
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
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
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
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.

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 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.Album of The Year: The Woods by Hamish NapierOriginal Work of the Year: Everyday Heroes by SkerryvoreCommunity Music Project of the Year: "Tunes in the Hoose"Event of the Year Award: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 20th Anniversary Concert Gaelic Singer of the Year: Fionnag NicChoinnich Musician of the Year: Tim EdeyOnline Performance of 2020: Duncan Chisholm's Covid CeilidhCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Siobhan MillerTrad Video of the Year: Calum Dan's Transit Van by Peat & DieselTrad Music in the Media: Anna Massie – Black Isle CorrespondentUp & Coming artist of the Year: Rebecca HillMusic Tutor of the Year: Josie DuncanJanet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award: James RobertsonServices to Gaelic Award: John Smith Hamish Henderson Award for Services to Traditional Music: Lisa Whytock

2019

The awards were staged in Aberdeen.Album of the Year: Frenzy of the Meeting by BreabachThe Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Scottish Music: Kinnaris QuintetClub of the Year: Sutherland SessionsComposer of the Year: Jenna ReidCommunity Project of the Year: SEALL Festival of Small HallsEvent of the Year: Tiree Music FestivalGaelic Singer of the Year: Mary Ann KennedyMusician of the Year: Jenn ButterworthLive Act of the Year: Peat and DieselCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Steve ByrneScottish Dance Band of the Year: The Cruickshank Family BandScottish Folk Band of the Year: Blazin' FiddlesScottish Pipe Band of the Year: Inveraray & District Pipe BandTrad Video of the Year: Heroes by Tide LinesMusic Tutor of the Year: Iain Ruari Finlayson, Skye SchoolsUp and Coming Artist of the Year: Man of the MinchVenue of the Year Award: An Tobar (Mull)The Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award: Dr. Peter CookeServices to Gaelic: Anne SoutarThe Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language: Sheena Blackhall

2018

The awards were staged in Perth and broadcast live on BBC Alba.Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Scottish Music: TaliskAlbum of the Year : Sandwood by Duncan ChisholmClub of the Year: Partick Folk ClubComposer of the Year: Duncan ChisholmCommunity Project of the Year: Care for a CeilidhEvent of the Year: Far Far from YpresGaelic Singer of the Year: Eilidh CormackInstrumentalist of the Year: Calum StewartLive Act of the Year: Elephant SessionsCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Iona FyfeScottish Dance Band of the Year: Susan MacFadyenScottish Folk Band of the Year: DàimhScottish Pipe Band of the Year: Inveraray & District Pipe BandTrad Music in the Media: Pipeline, BBC Radio ScotlandMusic Tutor of the Year: Anna Wendy StevensonUp and Coming Artist of the Year: Assynt Venue of the Year Award: Drygate Brewery, GlasgowServices to Gaelic: RunrigThe Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award: Pete ShepheardServices to Scots Language: Janet Paisley

2017

The awards were staged at Lagoon Centre, Paisley and broadcast live on BBC Alba.Album of the Year: All We Have Is Now by Elephant SessionsCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Siobhan MillerClub of the Year: Edinburgh Folk ClubCommunity Project of the Year: Tiree SongbookComposer of the Year: Adam SutherlandDance Band of the Year: Duncan Black BandEvent of the Year: A Night for Angus Folk Band of the Year: TaliskGaelic Singer of the Year: Robert RobertsonInstrumentalist of the Year: Gary InnesLive Act of the Year: SkipinnishMusic Tutor of the Year: Emma TomlinsonScottish Pipe Band of the Year: Inveraray & District Pipe BandTrad Music in the Media: BBC Radio 2 Folk AwardsUp and Coming Artist of the Year: Hò-ròVenue of the Year: Tolbooth, Stirling

2016

The awards were staged at Caird Hall, Dundee and broadcast live on BBC Alba.Album of the Year: Astar by BreabachClub of the Year: Stonehaven Folk ClubComposer of the Year: Kris DreverCommunity Project of the Year: Feis Rois Life Long Learning ProjectEvent of the Year: Piping Live! Festival, Glasgow Gaelic Singer of the Year: Ellen MacDonaldInstrumentalist of the Year: Rachel NewtonLive Act of the Year: SkerryvoreCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Lori WatsonScottish Dance Band of the Year: Trail WestFolk Band of the Year: BreabachScottish Pipe Band of the Year: North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe BandTrad Music in the Media: BBC Radio Scotland's Take the FloorMusic Tutor of the Year: Jim HunterUp and Coming Artist of the Year: Ryan YoungVenue of the Year: The Glad Café, Glasgow

2015

The awards were staged at Caird Hall, Dundee and broadcast live on BBC Alba.Album of the Year: Grind by Treacherous OrchestraClub of the Year: Orkney Accordion and Fiddle ClubComposer of the Year: Ross AinslieCommunity Project of the Year: Live Music Now ScotlandEvent of the Year: GRIT: Celtic Connections Opening ConcertGaelic Singer of the Year: Griogair LabhruidhInstrumentalist of the Year: Mairi CampbellLive Act of the Year: RURACitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Fiona HunterScottish Dance Band of the Year: Simon HowieScottish Folk Band of the Year: DàimhPipe Band of the Year: Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe BandTrad Music in the Media: Port, BBC AlbaMusic Tutor of the Year: Jenn ButterworthUp and Coming Artist of the Year: League of Highland GentlemenVenue 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.Album of the Year: Live at Celtic Connections by Duncan ChisholmClub of the Year: Tin Hut SessionsComposer of the Year: Jim SutherlandCommunity Project of the Year: Summer Isles FestivalEvent of the Year: GRIT: The Martyn Bennett StoryGaelic Singer of the Year: Mischa MacphersonInstrumentalist of the Year: Catriona McKayLive Act of the Year: SkipinnishCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Emily SmithScottish Dance Band of the Year: Da FustraScottish Folk Band of the Year: Julie FowlisPipe Band of the Year: West Lothian Schools pipe bandTrad Music in the Media: Isles FMMusic Tutor of the Year: Douglas MontgomeryUp and Coming Artist of the Year: The Elephant SessionsVenue of the Year Award: The Ceilidh Place

2013

The 2013 ceremony was held in Aberdeen.Album of the Year: Room Enough For All by Battlefield BandClub of the Year: FolklubComposer of the Year: Donald ShawCommunity Project of the Year: Gizzen Briggs Event of the Year: Tiree Music FestivalGaelic Singer of the Year: Rachel WalkerInstrumentalist of the Year: Chris Stout Live Act of the Year: BreabachCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Siobhan MillerScottish Dance Band of the Year: Trail WestScottish Folk Band of the Year: Blazin' FiddlesPipe Band of the Year: Ullapool and District Junior Pipe BandTrad Music in the Media: Travelling Folk, BBC Radio ScotlandMusic Tutor of the Year: Corrina Hewat Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Robert RobertsonVenue of the Year Award: National Piping Centre, Glasgow

2012

Album of the Year: Cille Bhrìde by Kathleen MacInnesClub of the Year: Falkirk Folk ClubComposer of the Year: Mike VassCommunity Project of the Year: Feis Rois Local and National Ceilidh Trail 2012Event of the Year: Scots Fiddle FestivalGaelic Singer of the Year: Riona WhyteInstrumentalist of the Year: Duncan ChisholmLive Act of the Year: Session A9Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Paul McKennaScottish Dance Band of the Year: Deoch 'n' DorusScottish Folk Band of the Year: BreabachPipe Band of the Year: George Watson's College Pipes and DrumsTrad Music in the Media: Julie Fowlis for BraveMusic Tutor of the Year: Gillian FrameUp and Coming Artist of the Year: NiteworksVenue of the Year Award: Bogbain Farm, Inverness

2011

The ceremony was held in the Perth Concert Hall.Album of the Year: Mànran by MànranClub of the Year: Leith Folk ClubComposer of the Year: Aidan O'RourkeCommunity Project of the Year: Blazin' in BeaulyEvent of the Year: Orkney Folk FestivalInstrumentalist of the Year: Innes WatsonLive Act of the Year: SkerryvoreCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Siobhan MillerGaelic Singer of the Year: Norrie MacIverScottish Folk Band of the Year: Battlefield BandPipe Band of the Year: Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe BandScottish Dance Band of the Year: Robern NairnTrad Music in the Media Award: Transatlantic SessionsMusic Tutor of the Year: Mairi CampbellUp and Coming Artist of the Year: RURAVenue of the Year: Ben Nevis

2010

Album of the Year: Uam by Julie FowlisClub of the Year: Highland Club Composer of the Year: Iain MorrisonCommunity Project of the Year: Orkney Traditional Music ProjectEvent of the Year: Shetland Folk FestivalInstrumentalist of the Year: Martin O'NeillLive Act of the Year: Red Hot Chilli PipersCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Joe AitkenGaelic Singer of the Year: Eilidh MackenzieScottish Folk Band of the Year: MalinkyScottish Pipe Band of the Year: Oban High School Pipe BandScottish Dance Band of the Year: Ian Muir Scottish Dance BandTrad Music in the Media Award: Travelling Folk, BBC Radio ScotlandMusic Tutor of the Year: Gordon ConnellUp and Coming Artist of the Year: Matheu WatsonVenue of the Year: Skipinnish Ceilidh House, Oban

2009

Album of the Year: All Dressed in Yellow by Fiddlers' BidClub of the Year: Stonehaven Folk ClubComposer of the Year: Mairearad GreenCommunity of the Year: Caledonian Canal Ceilidh TrailEvent of the Year: Hebridean Celtic FestivalInstrumentalist of the Year: Lauren MacCollLive Act of the Year: LauCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Shona DonaldsonGaelic Singer of the Year: Christine PrimroseScottish Folk Band of the Year: BodegaScottish Pipe Band of the Year: Haddington Pipe BandScottish Dance Band of the Year: Tom Orr Scottish Dance BandTrad Music in the Media Award: The Reel Blend Music Tutor of the Year: Ian DuncanUp and Coming Artist of the Year: Paul McKenna BandVenue of the Year: The Old Fruit Market Glasgow

2008

Album of the Year: Farrar by Duncan ChisholmComposer of the Year: Blair DouglasLive Act of the Year: Peatbog FaeriesInstrumentalist of the Year: Kris DreverUp and Coming Artist of the Year: Jeana Leslie & Siobhan MillerGaelic Singer of the Year: Margaret StewartClub of the Year: The Wee Folk Club, EdinburghCommunity Project of the Year: CeolasEvent of the Year: Piping Live! - Glasgow International Piping FestivalServices to Industry Award: Arthur CormackCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Emily SmithScottish Dance Band of the Year: SkipinnishScottish Folk Band of the Year: The ChairScottish Pipe Band of the Year: ScottishPower Pipe BandStrathspey and Reel Society of the Year: Scottish Fiddle OrchestraVenue of the Year: Perth Concert Hall

2007

Album of the Year: Cuilidh by Julie FowlisComposer of the Year: Phil CunninghamLive Act of the Year:Red Hot Chilli PipersInstrumentalist of the Year: Catriona McKayUp and Coming Artist of the Year: Maeve MackinnonGaelic Singer of the Year: Julie FowlisClub of the Year: Ceol's Craic, GlasgowCommunity Project of the Year: Scots Music GroupEvent of the Year: The Royal National ModServices to Industry Award: John Purser for Scotland's Music – A Radio HistoryCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Mairi CampbellScottish Dance Band of the Year: Cullivoe Dance BandScottish Folk Band of the Year: Old Blind DogsScottish Pipe Band of the Year: The Mid Argyll Pipe BandStrathspey and Reel Society of the Year: Fochabers FiddlersVenue of the Year: An Lanntair

2006

Album of the Year: Heart of America by Donnie MunroClub of the Year: Wick Accordion and Fiddle ClubComposer of the Year: Donald Shaw Community Project of the Year: Fèisean nan GàidhealEvent of the Year: World Pipe Band ChampionshipsGaelic Singer of the Year: Kathleen MacInnesInstrumentalist of the Year: Aidan O'RourkeLive Act of the Year: The McCalmansCitty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year: Sylvia BarnesScottish Dance Band of the Year: Marian Anderson Scottish Dance Band Scottish Folk Band of the Year: Anna Massie BandScottish Pipe Band of the Year: Kintyre Schools Pipe Band Services to Industry Award: Johnny MowatStrathspey 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' FiddlesClub of the Year: Glenfarg Folk ClubComposer of the Year: Charlie McKerronCommunity Project of the Year: Lochgoilhead Fiddle WorkshopEvent of the Year: Blazin' in BeaulyGaelic Singer of the Year: Julie FowlisInstrumentalist of the Year: Aaron JonesLive Act of the Year: Peatbog FaeriesMedia Award: Aig Cridhe Ar Ciuil Scots Singer of the Year: Jim ReidScottish Dance Band of the Year: Gordon Shand and his Scottish Dance BandScottish Folk Band of the Year: Back of the MoonScottish Pipe Band of the Year: The House of Edgar Shotts & Dykehead Pipe BandServices to Industry Award: MusicScotlandThe McEwan's Sessions Venue of the Year: Hootananny, InvernessUp and Coming Artist of the Year: Jenna Reid

2004

Album of the Year: Fire & Grace by Alasdair Fraser & Natalie HaasBBC Radio Scotland Personality of the Year: Fiona MackenzieCommunity Project of the Year: Feis Rois Traditional Music in Schools projectClub of the Year: Hootananny, InvernessEvent of the Year: Hebridean Celtic FestivalGaelic Singer of the Year: Maggie MacInnesInstrumentalist of the Year: Fred MorrisonJournalist of the Year: Sue WilsonLive Act of the Year: Blazin' FiddlesThe Media Award: Take the Floor Retailer of the Year: Foot Stompin Celtic MusicScots Singer of the Year: Dick GaughanScottish Dance Band of the Year: Da FustraFolk Band of the Year: Old Blind DogsPipe Band of the Year: Kirkwall City Pipe BandSongwriter of the Year: Jim MalcolmUp and Coming Band of the Year: Dòchas

2003

Best Album: Cliar by CliarBest Scots Singer: Karine PolwartBest Gaelic Singer: Karen MathesonBest Instrumentalist: Phil CunninghamBest Scottish Dance Band: Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh BandBest Pipeband: ScottishPower Pipe BandBest Folk Band: CapercaillieBest Festival: Celtic ConnectionsBest Club: Shetland Accordion ClubBest Live Act: Battlefield BandBest Up and Coming Artist/Band: Back of the MoonRadio/TV Show of the year: Travelling Folk, BBC Radio ScotlandRetailer of the year: Coda MusicMedia Award: The Living TraditionServices to Traditional Music: Hamish Henderson