University wins at Trad Music Awards

Graduates from the University of the Highlands and Islands were amongst this year’s winners and performers at the MG Alba Trad Music Awards, held on Saturday 6 December. This annual ceremony celebrates Scotland’s exceptional traditional musical talent.

Breabach received the album of the year award for their sixth album, Frenzy of the Meeting. Band member, piper James MacKenzie, started his studies at Lews Castle College UHI, graduating with an HNC in music. He has now returned to the university as a professional practice tutor on the applied music course.     

Trad video of the year was given to Heroes by Tide Lines. Band piper Ali Turner also studied HNC music at Lews Castle College UHI on the Benbecula campus.

Following ten consecutive sell outs, the Tiree Music Festival received the event of the year award. Applied Music graduate Jamie MacDonald, also a member of the band Eabhal, is the festival officer and community village coordinator.  

Ruairidh Gollan a fourth year applied music student accepted with fellow committee members of the Sutherland Sessions the award for club of the year. Sutherland Sessions promote gigs across Sutherland for local, national and international artists to perform across the region. 

The musician of the year award, sponsored by the University of the Highlands and Islands, was presented to Jenn Butterworth by Anna-Wendy Stevenson.

Anna-Wendy, a previous event winner and BA (hons) applied music programme leader explains why the university chose to become a sponsor:

“We were thrilled to be able to support and celebrate Scotland’s dynamic musical scene. The University of the Highlands and Islands is proud to be part of this exciting industry, delivering music education provision across the region and internationally.

“It is important that we continue to support events like the Trad Music Awards to recognise the achievements of our students, alumni and all those working across the music industry.”

Performing live at the ceremony was Heisk. Band members Megan MacDonald and Becca Skeoch are both graduates from the university’s applied music degree.