Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Of The Year 2009 announced

Six of Scotland's finest young musicians battled it out in the grand final of BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician Of The Year awards 2009 at Glasgow's City Halls.

Presented by Mary Ann Kennedy and broadcast live on Radio Scotland, as part of the Celtic Connections festival, the winner was Ruairidh Macmillan from Nairn who won the coveted title with his fiddling performance.

Ruairidh was delighted with his musical accolade: "What a feeling! I think my head is still in the clouds after winning. It is a total honour and a privilege to have won the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Of The Year award not least because all of this year's finalists were worthy winners. I'm looking forward to the year ahead and the tour!"

Ruairidh includes Aonghaus (Angus) Grant Snr from Lochaber and Ireland's Liz Carroll amongst his many fiddling influences.

A recent graduate from the RSAMD, Ruairidh is currently performing with the Paul McKenna Band who have just signed to Greentrax Recordings.

Established to encourage young musicians to keep their traditional music alive, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Of The Year award will provide Ruairidh with high-profile performance opportunities; the opportunity to record a CD of his music; and the necessary tools and advice he requires to launch a career in traditional music, amongst other benefits.

All the finalists get one year's membership of the Traditional Music and Song Association (TMSA); a tour of Scotland organised by the TMSA; and a session on Radio Scotland's Travelling Folk programme, presented by Archie Fisher.

Jeff Zycinski, Head of Radio, BBC Scotland, and Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Culture, presented the winner with his trophy live on air on Sunday (1 February 2009) and in front of an applauding audience.

Jeff Zycinski said: "Without a doubt, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Of The Year is one of the highlights of the year and is a great way to showcase some of the finest up-and-coming talent we have throughout Scotland.

"Each year, the level of musical talent which comes through never fails to impress – and this year has been no exception. I am delighted to have awarded 2009's BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Of The Year title to Ruairidh. I wish him every success in what I'm sure will be a promising and fulfilling musical career."

Linda Fabiani said: "Congratulations to Ruairidh on this wonderful achievement. This award is hugely important in ensuring we discover, recognise and nurture talented young musicians in Scotland.

"Traditional arts are a vital component of Scotland's artistic landscape and the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring there are adequate arrangements in place to support them, allowing the traditional arts to fulfil their role in Scotland's culture, heritage, economy, education and community life."

Radio Scotland has supported the Young Traditional Musician Of The Year Awards since they launched in 2000.

For past competitors, winning the title has proved to be a major springboard towards a professional career in music, with previous winners including Red Hot Chilli Pipers musician Stuart Cassells (2005), gaelic singer James Graham (2004) and guitarist Ewan Robertson (2008).

Back to BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award.