Below is lots of information on the 2009 nominations for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. You can vote online here or download a voting form here.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY BIRNAM CD

Fiddlers Bid - All Dressed in Yellow (Hairst Blinks Music)
The Shetland Band's latest release All Dressed in Yellow is an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary styles, both in melody and arrangement. Scotland on Sunday reviewer Norman Chalmers says of the CD,  "a tour-de force of rhythmic, melodic and harmonic imagination in but six tracks." Fiddlers Bid are: Andrew Gifford, Chris Stout, Maurice Henderson, Kevin Henderson (fiddles), Catriona McKay (harp, piano), Jonathan Ritch (bass) and Fionan De Barra (guitar).

The Maker's Mark – Tony McManus (CDTRAX331 Greentrax)
An unusual album from Tony not least because the recording of each track features a different guitar, from the collection of North Carolina's Dream Guitars founder Paul Heumiller and each hand-picked by Tony and Paul.. The finale track Valse des Belugas features all of the guitars featured on the previous tracks.
The Scotsman's Jim Gilchrist writes, .."The Maker's Mark is much more than a mere guitar road-test. Out of this finely crafted cornucopia of rosewoods and blackwoods, spruces and figured mahogany, emerges the often luminous playing we associate with him...."

Dual: Julie Fowlis, Ross Martin, Muireann NicAmhlaoibh, Eamon Doorley (MACH001)
On this collaboration, Gaelic singer musician Julie Fowlis is joined by fellow Scot Ross Martin and by Irish artists Muireann NicAmhlaoibh and Eamon Doorley. This CD explores the musical links and traditions of the two Gaelic communities. All the songs are in Gaelic, and include An Eala Bhan, an exquisite love song from North Uist, and the equally stirring A Riogain Uasail, from Kerry, which allow first Fowlis and then Nic Amhlaoibh to show off their cool and gently powerful ballad singing. Acoustic backing provided by fiddle, guitar and a dash of keyboards, and some impressive pipe-playing from Fowlis..."a captivating, contemporary mix of cultures..." The Stornoway Gazette

The Lassies Reply – Pur (DUG002 MacDug)
Pur are Scots singer and fiddler, Shona Donaldson and Gaelic singer and clarsach player Katie Mackenzie. Their CD features twelve Burns songs in both Gaelic and Scots designed to demonstrate that the two cultures can co-exist and compliment each other.  The  lovely  new arrangements, which leave the original melodies entirely intact and completely familiar, are largely based on traditional acoustic instrumentation with beautiful embellishment from Mr McFall’s Chamber String Quartet and some of Scotland’s best traditional musicians.. "a pleasing freshness and vitality in either language..." Kenny Mathieson, The Scotsman.

CLUB OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY CODA MUSIC

Craigie Folk Club
The Craigie Folk Music Club meet at the Craigie Inn, near Kilmarnock, Ayrshire  on the 1st Friday of each month and regular Scottish Nights are held in the function suite where guests from all over the UK get a taste of great Scottish entertainment .  The beautifully restored Inn, is located in the picturesque village of Craigie 5 minutes from the main A77.

Stonehaven Folk Club
This long-running folk club meets every Friday night from 8.30 pm at the Heugh Hotel, Westfield Road, Stonehaven. All welcome. Session nights and guests every few weeks..The associated Stonehaven Folk Festival celebrated its 21st Birthday in 2009. Stonehaven is just 15 miles south of Aberdeen on the A90 and is on the main East Cost rail line

Windygates Button-Key Accordion & Fiddle Club
The 'Button-Key' club  in Windygates has the distinction of once being accordion maestro Jimmy Shand's  local club. Meeting the second Thursday of the  month at the Windygates Institute, the club has guest players and welcomes visiting musicians and anyone else interested in great music. In 2009 this excellent club won the accolade of "Club of the Year" at the annual Box and Fiddle Awards.

 Aberdeen Accordion & Fiddle Club
The club meets the last Tuesday of the month from Sept. to May at the Old Machar Royal British Legion, 23 Balgownie Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen . The club is non-profiting making and is dedicated  to preserving the traditional music of Scotland by offering young and old a platform for musical expression.

COMPOSER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY PRS FOR MUSIC

Mairearad Green
Mairearad is a talented musician who is also forging a name for herself as a composer. Her tunes are rapidly becoming popular on the session scene and some have been recorded by other bands. "Dram Behind the Curtain' was recorded by Eddi Reader in 2009. Mairearad's Celtic Connections 'New Voices' commission 'Passing Places' -  a musical and filmic journey through the spectacular scenery and cultural riches of the Wester Ross Coigach peninsula -  was filled with memorable tunes which earned her a standing ovation from the audience and a five star review from The Scotsman.  In 2009 Mairearad published 'Passing Places' a book of her compositions. 

Steven Spence
Steven Spence is a wonderful fiddle player and an inspired writer whose tunes have been recorded onto dozens of albums and become part of the session scene.  Hailing from the island of Unst  Steven is without doubt one of Shetland's most prolific and talented composers. His second book of tunes "Spencie's Tunes volume 2" was published in 2009. this excellent collection taken together with the potted stories behind the tunes,  represents a rich social and cultural record of early 21st century life in the North Isles..

Alan Reid
Alan Reid is a founder member of the Battlefield Band and an invaluable factor in their success and longevity, In that time he has developed his skills in both crafting songs and melody writing. His traditionally orientated songs on contemporary Scottish culture have been a feature of the band’s recordings. In 2009 he, with guitarist Rob Van Sante released a CD of songs on the life of Bonny Prince Charlie several of which were penned by Alan. A review from The Scotsman noted it had  " the full-blown romance of traditional songs with a more sober revisionist look at history in Reid's own songs..." Alan is currently preparing a whole album of songs and tunes composed on the life of Scots born sailor and adventurer John Paul Jones. 

Jim Sutherland
Jim Sutherland’s career has ranged across a vast spectrum of musical genres, as well as a string of major commissions for film, TV and theatre. In the past four years alone he has, composed scores for several film and TV projects including the multi award winning feature film Festival (Best film at the British Comedy awards) and the acclaimed Gaelic film Seachd premiered at Edinburgh film festival 2007. In 2009 Jim created The True North Orchestra in order to perform his dramatic musical score for The production of 'Aisling's Children; Tales of the Homecoming' which was performed at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade  in July as part of The Gathering 2009. Jim is currently composing three new pieces for the TNO commissioned for the opening concert of Celtic Connections Festival 2010.

COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY ROYAL SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE SOCIETY

Sangstream
Sangstream is an Edinburgh-based Scots folk choir which meets once a week (during school terms) on Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm, at the Boroughmuir High School. Sangstream is open to everyone who has an interest in group singing to take part and to develop their skills and provides the opportunity for people to learn about and to share Scots songs and traditions in a fun and friendly environment.  The choir is proving to be very popular and they have also introduced a range of activities including open sessions throughout the summer. 

Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail
The Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail is a highly successful collaboration between the Highland Council’s traditional music programme and British Waterways Scotland. A group of highly talented young musicians and one or more established professionals make up the team performing traditional music, song and dance along the Caledonian Canal and around Loch Ness for the benefit of locals and visitors alike over a four week period in the summer. The programme is a varied mixture of ceilidhs and concerts, informal evening music session and afternoon outdoor events and most of the events are free of charge. This is a great idea to support traditional music.

Riverside Music Project
The Riverside Music Project supports family and community learning of traditional music in the Stirling area. There are informal evenings of tunes and songs with friends and family.  All ages, instruments and abilities welcome and music - reading skills are not required.  The aim of the Riverside Music Project is to share traditional tunes in a fun way so that families and friends can enjoy making music together in many contexts, including at community ceilidhs.

Riddell Fiddles
The fiddle has been played traditionally in Scotland for many years. The current surge in popularity has meant many adults and children seeking to learn traditional music.. Based at the Argus Community Centre, Selkirk in the Scottish Borders,  Riddell Fiddles aims to allow anybody to learn the fiddle, by providing inexpensive fun-filled lessons for young and old alike. The group, run by Sheila Sapkota and Karen Hendry,  is an ongoing teaching programme.  Each lesson consists of groups and lasts approximately 50 minutes. Tuition is provided by a bank of local tutors, but visiting musicians are called on to give a workshop if they are playing locally.

EVENT OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY VISITSCOTLAND

World Pipe Band Championships
The fabulous annual event at Glasgow Green attracts many thousands of spectators who can watch around 8000 pipers and drummers in 200 bands from as many as 16 nations compete for the prestigeous World Pipe Band Champions title. In 2009, for the first time, the World Pipe Band Championships went global when BBC Scotland  streamed live coverage of the Grade 1 arena to audiences across the world. .There were in excess of 300,000 downloads of the stream by viewers in such countries as Canada, United States and Australia giving a  truly magnificent boost  and a worldwide stage to Scotland's premier Pipe Band extravaganza..

Knockengorroch World Ceilidh
A popular May festival which takes place in a peaceful and stunning glen in the Galloway hills in the Southern Uplands. The area becomes a hive of creativity and celebration during this family friendly event. In addition to the musical line-up, an array of workshops, dance performances and children’s activities present plenty of opportunities for visitors to get involved in learning new skills and about the cultural heritage of this once densely populated valley. The festival, which started in 1998, is held at Knockengorroch farm, Carsphairn, Kirkubrightshire and features an array of music and musicians from around the world.

Hebridean Celtic Festival
The 'Hebridean Celtic' is an international  music festival, which takes place annually in Stornoway on Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides . In the year of Homecoming the festival welcomed performers from Québec, Ireland, Australia and the USA plus an array of Scotland’s best known talent to play for festival-goers from over 80 countries. Now firmly established as one of Scotland’s great summer music events the population of Stornoway swells by half during July to accommodate the annual pilgrimage of festivalgoers.. Four days of fabulous music in one of the most unique settings in the world. Spectacular supershows, intimate concerts and a variety of events for all the family.

Speyfest
A superb summer festival in Morayshire featuring Concerts, Ceilidhs and Stomps, Sessions and more. In 2009, the festival welcomed some of the biggest names from the world of world of traditional and contemporary Celtic music alongside international acts from Australia, Canada and Ireland. There's a Festival Club, kids stuff, bar and food on the site. Speyfest takes place in the beautiful village of Fochabers on the banks of the River Spey. A well-organised festival, popular with performers and audiences alike. 

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY TEMPLE RECORDS

Nigel Hitchcock
Nigel is an internationally renowned virtuoso saxophonist who has worked with many top artists in the fields of pop and jazz. After nearly twenty years of recording and touring around the world Nigel set down roots in the Isle of Skye five years ago where Scotland's ever-popular Celtic fusion band the Peatbog Faeries are also based. Nigel's amazing skills, innovation and boundless musicality have brought exciting new dimensions to the Peatbog Faeries’ repertoire and performances.

Fraser Fifield
One of Scotland's most innovative and creative musicians, Fraser Fifield is a multi-instrumentalist and composer with a distinctly original sound. His distillation of influences from such diverse sources as the Highland Bagpipe tradition, Jazz Saxophone, Bulgarian Kaval and others, has lead to a growing catalogue of critically acclaimed recordings. Fraser is also known to many for his work with various Scottish bands and musicians that cross a whole spectrum of music making, including Salsa Celtica, Old Blind Dogs, Mr McFalls Chamber any many more. His latest recording  Stereocanto  was released in October 2009.

Patsy Reid
Patsy Reid from Knapp in Perthshire grew up playing both traditional Scottish fiddle and classical violin winning the prestigeous Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship twice at just 15 and 16 years of age. Her exquisite tone, elegance and a deftness of touch are apparent in her work with the popular folk band Breabach and she is also in great demand as a fiddle teacher, on such notable couses as Alasdair Fraser's at Sabhal Mor Ostaig  and the award-winning Taransay Fiddle Camp. Patsy's Celtic Connections commission 'Bridging the Gap'  was described  "an attractive and skilfully assembled work that is coherent, imaginative and beautifully performed".

Lauren MacColl
Lauren MacColl learned fiddle through the thriving  Feisean movement in Ross-Shire and is an emotional and communicative performer of the music from her Highland tradition along with her trio 'The MacCollective'. She won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2005 and two years on released her debut album 'When Leaves Fall', named 'Classic Album' of Celtic Connections festival 2008. Her second album 'Strewn with Ribbons' was released to critical acclaim in 2009, a recording of music researched from old Highland Collections married with her own tune writing. As well as with the MacCollective, Lauren plays in a duo with flute player Calum Stewart and in a new project Mackinnon | MacColl | MacPherson and is also fiddle tutor at RSAMD's Junior dept. "Her slow airs may well make you cry.....stop-you-in-your-tracks gorgeousness" (The Herald)  

LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY GREENTRAX RECORDINGS

Treacherous Orchestra
Emerging from the vibrant melting-pot of Glasgow’s 21st-century folk scene, The Treacherous Orchestra take Scottish dance music into a thrilling new dimension. Comprising a baker’s dozen of Scotland’s finest young instrumentalists, this truly turbocharged collective have incited merry mayhem at every one of their previously rare appearances, from remote Hebridean islands to the world-renowned Celtic Connections Festival. The band’s members, mostly still in their 20s, hail mainly from the length and breadth of Scotland and together represent the leading edge of the country’s ongoing folk revival. Having grown up under the influence of such pioneering fusion acts as Shooglenifty, Martyn Bennett and Wolfstone, they draw simultaneously on deep traditional roots and the full gamut of contemporary influences, interweaving these strands organically in a repertoire consisting almost entirely of original tunes.

Session A9
Showered with superlatives, Session A9 have been described as “The best band to have come out of Scotland in 100 years”, “Tighter than James Brown” and an “Amazing Festival band”, great praise indeed for a band formed through informal music sessions up and down the arterial Scottish road, the A9. Highly acclaimed concerts and festival appearances and a tune-up tour in 2009 have seen the band in increasing demand . With a four man fiddle frontline of  Charlie McKerron, Adam Sutherland, Kevin Henderson and Gordon Gunn plus Marc Clement on guitar;  Brian McAlpine on keyboards and David Robertson on percussion, Session A9 really are a  “Scottish super group”,

Face the West
Face The West are a young, fresh, Celtic Rock outfit with incredible talent. The group from the Island Of Lewis are hardworking and energetic. Powerful drums, deep bass lines, synths and keyboards provide the sound for the backing while traditional lead instruments get people's hearts racing and feet tapping. At the 2009, Hebridean Celtic festival, their show on the main stage in the big blue tent was not only full of great music but created an irresistible 'party' atmosphere propelling even the most reluctant dancer on to the floor.

Lau
One of the busiest bands on the scene, Lau have been described as a formidable union of three of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Scotland today; Lau are Kris Drever (guitar and vocal), Martin Green (piano accordion) and Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle). In the last eighteen months Lau have become one of the most sought-after acts on the current Scottish scene, as well as again being voted 'Best Group' in the Radio 2 Folk Awards. They have take festivals by storm across Europe and North-American, released a highly their highly acclaimed album 'Arc Light' and in the Autumn of 2009 undertook a series of gigs in Japan. 

CITTY FINLAYSON SCOTS SINGER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SONG ASSOCIATION

Shona Donaldson
Shona Donaldson is one of Scotland’s leading young tradition bearers. She grew up in Huntly surrounded by music and dancing in the heart of North-east Scotland’s bothy ballad country   Shona was a finalist in the Young Trad Musician of the Year in 2005 and the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, 2006.  In 2009 as part of the duo 'Pur' she recorded an album of Burns songs in Scots and Gaelic and in October it was a delight to find her on our television screens singing an unaccompanied traditional song in a programme about the North-east Clan Gordon. 

Archie Fisher
Archie Fisher is Scotland’s foremost troubadour. His achievements as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer make his place in the annals of Scottish folk music secure. He stands as a linchpin figure between that music’s rural past and its largely urban present. With one of the most distinctive singing voices in Scotland, Archie has been a major influence in both traditional and contemporary song. Archie continues to combine his twin careers as a broadcaster - he is the host of BBC Radio Scotland’s award-winning “Travelling Folk” show, which he has presented for over 25 years - and as a world-travelling musician.

Jimmy Hutchison
Jimmy Hutchison is originally from South Uist - his mother a Gaelic speaker, his father from Glasgow. Jimmy has been singing traditional songs for many years. In the 1960s he was involved in the St Andrews folk club and the Blairgowrie Festival and became a great admirer of Jeannie Robertson, the Stewarts of Blair and old Davie Stewart. Jimmy is a singer with a real feeling for the songs. Listening to him, one notices his knack of carrying the tune; his rhythm and the 'grace notes' in his voice. The result absolutely commands attention.

Steve Byrne
From Arbroath in Scotland’s eastern lowlands, Steve has been immersed in traditional music since early childhood, and continues to write and arrange songs in his native Scots tongue. A trained ethnologist - as a graduate of Edinburgh University's School of Scottish Studies - Steve applies his deep knowledge and love of Scottish traditions to all aspects of his musical career. He is a founder- member of  Malinky one of Scotland’s most distinctive and accomplished folk bands and  he has released a CD "Songs from Home'  a solo project of songs and poetry set to music from the Angus region.  "Even when he's writing in Scots dialect, Byrne's lyrics sound utterly natural and timeless. His gentle singing style suits the material down to the ground"....Hotpress, Ireland.

GAELIC SINGER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY MACMEANMNA

Christine Primrose
Since the release of her first recording, Àite mo Ghaoil (“Place of my Heart”) in 1982, Lewis singer Christine Primrose has played a pivotal role in a revival of interest in Gaelic song that has swept far beyond Scotland.  With a voice that is clear, pure and dignified, she has blazed a path that many singers have followed, from Arthur Cormack to Karen Matheson of Capercaillie and Cape Breton’s Mary Jane Lamond to another fine Lewis singer Catriona Watt . Christine delivers all the emotions of the songs through two very simple things, the voice and the word.

Norrie MacIver
Norrie is 21 years old and comes from Carloway in the Isle of Lewis. While he was studying at  Plockton Centre of Excellence he became a member of the band Bodega, who went on to win the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, going on to tour extensively in Europe and America. Norrie's reputation as a fine singer saw him invited to join the all male singing group Na Seoid under the direction of Mary Ann Kennedy. Norrie was part of the acclaimed BBC Alba ‘A  (Garage Project) exploring the artistic process of musical fusion.

James Graham
James from Lochinver, has gained many prestigious accolades for his beautiful singing including the Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year title in 2004, and the Mod Gold Medal  in 2007. He has recorded two CDs and appeared in several successful and award winning television and radio music series, including the recent ‘Transatlantic Sessions 4’. "Graham's sweet singing combines expressiveness with technical refinement in beguiling fashion."...The Scotsman

Sineag MacIntyre
Sineag MacIntyre from Kilphedar, South Uist started singing from an early age. She released a CD ‘Laithean Sgoile’ when she was in her sixth year in Sgoil Lionacleit and won the Traditional Medal in Dunoon at the Royal National Mod in 2006. A few weeks ago in Oban Sineag, who was taught by Kenna Campbell,  carried off the prestigious Mod Gold Medal, a prize which can only be won once in a lifetime by an individual,  Sineag is an honours graduate of the RSAMD. 

SCOTTISH FOLK BAND OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY FOOT STOMPIN' SCOTTISH MUSIC

Bodega
Bodega met at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music, Plockton, Scotland, in 2004, got together as a band in 2005 and won the  BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards in 2006! They have worked hard and are gathering fans across the globe. Jack Evans described Bodega thus "".. highly talented and versatile, and together their music has a kind of fierce energy, imagination, and joie de vivre, that  you just don’t hear  very often.”  Bodega are Gillian Chalmers (pipes, whistle and fiddle); Ross Couper (fiddle); Tia Files (guitar, bass guitar and percussion); Norrie MacIver (lead vocals, accordion and guitar) and June Naylor (clarsach). .

Brechin O’hEadhra, MacGregor
Bruce MacGregor, Sandy Brechin & Brian Ó hEadhra blend some of the finest musicianship and singing to come out of Scotland in recent years.  These three seasoned artists draw on a wealth of tunes and songs from the Gaelic and Scots traditions, as well as each being acclaimed composers in their own right. Not only are Bruce, Sandy and Brian excellent musicians, but they are also loved by audiences for their witty and entertaining live performance.

Malinky
Hard work and great performances have gained Malinky a reputation as one of Scotland’s most distinctive and accomplished folk bands. While retaining their hallmark song-based repertoire, performed by three superb lead vocalists and arrayed with tastefully inventive instrumentation, Malinky today unite seasoned maturity with sparkling freshness, casting their musical net wider than ever. Malinky are: Steve Byrne (vocals/bouzouki/guitar),  Mark Dunlop (vocals/whistles/bodhrán),  Fiona Hunter (vocals/cello), Dave Wood (guitar/bouzouki) and Mike Vass (fiddle).

Mary Ann Kennedy & Na Seòid
Na Seòid (The Heroes) is Mary Ann Kennedy's gathering of a seven-strong ensemble showcasing today's finest young male Gaelic talent. The dream-team vocal cast includes several Mod medallists – James Graham, Calum Alex MacMillan, Tormod MacArthur, and Gillebrìde MacMillan - plus Norrie MacIver, of Young Folk Award winners Bodega. This awesomely powerful line-up have been cited as 'a gathering of Gaeldom's young lions', 'Na Seòid' is certainly the type of band legends are made from.

SCOTTISH PIPE BAND OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL PIPING CENTRE

Haddington Pipe Band
Formed in 1981, Haddington Pipe Band is a community band and provides entertainment at local events such as Gala Days and Farmers' Markets. One of the main functions of the band is to promote piping and drumming throughout East Lothian. The band runs classes for beginners and tuition for the more advanced players. There is a full range of ages and abilities within the band and encouragement is given at all levels. In September this year the band took the award for organising the Best Medium (ie medium-sized) Event in Scotland in 2009.

Strathclyde Police Pipe Band
The origins of Strathclyde Police Pipe Band can be traced back to 1883. Set up by popular public request, it has the distinction of being the one of the first pipe bands to be formed outwith the ranks of the British Army. Uniquely, the band’s existence was endorsed by an act of parliament. Strathclyde Police Pipe Band is not only a renowned competition band but participates in a wide variety of events throughout the year, providing the opportunity to develop the strong bond that exists between Strathclyde Police and the local community. In 2009 they were the top ranked band at the World Pipe Band Championships. Unfortunately also in 2009, a policy of cost-cutting within the force has meant major changes to the band’s structure that threaten its very existence.

Boghall & Bathgate Pipe Band
The Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band is currently under the musical direction of Pipe Major Ross Walker and Leading Drummer Gordon Brown. The organisation has a number of bands competing in different grades and are members of the of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.
The organisation run the Juvenile and Novice Juvenile Pipe Bands to encourage young people in the local area to take up Piping and Drumming. In 2009, the Juvenile band were both European and British champions. The Juvenile drum corps also captured the World Champions title.

Inveraray Pipe Band
The Inveraray and District Pipe Band is the area's first pipe band in 70 years and was set up by local piper Stuart Liddell, who hit on the idea whilst giving weekly bagpipe lessons in local schools. The band is registered with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, takes part in competitions and is regularly asked to play at local community and charity events. Being in the band teaches the children discipline and teamwork, and about Scottish history and culture. In 2009  the band were on a winning streak lifiting the trophies for  The Scottish, The British , The European, The Cowal, and,  the World Grade 2 Championships!

SCOTTISH DANCE BAND OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUBS

Michael Philip Scottish Dance Band
The Michael Philip Scottish Dance Band is a very accomplished outfit formed several years ago after Michael found a desire to go back to his traditional roots following a number of years playing with his show band, Conundrum. His band is in demand for dances and as entertaining guests on the accordion and fiddle club circuit. 

Glencraig Scottish Dance Band
The Glencraig Scottish Dance Band was formed in1983 and  has gone on to become one of the most popular Scottish dance bands with appearances all over the country and abroad. The bandleader Nicol McLaren, has always been passionate about set construction and arrangements to match the dance and maximise the interest and enjoyment of dancer, listener and musician alike. 

Tom Orr Scottish Dance Band
Although a very young band, they hold a wealth of experience and musical maturity well beyond their years. The band brings a fresh, exciting take to Scottish Dance Music, but equally they do not sacrifice the necessary credentials for dancing. Tom and the Band recently recorded their debut album titled ‘Tomorrow's World’.

Kilter Ceilidh Band
Kilter Ceilidh Band will kick the night off with a rockin' ceilidh guaranteed to get everyone up dancing! Kilter are an upbeat, four piece Ceilidh Band consisting of Accordion, Pipes & Whistles, Piano and Drums. They pride themselves on both their musical ability and their entertaining skills which ensures a full dancefloor each time they perform.

TRAD MUSIC IN THE MEDIA AWARD SPONSORED BY HEGRI MUSIC

A' Gharaids – Studio Alba
Shown on BBC2 and BBC ALBA.  A' Gharaids (The Garage). A six part music series bringing together exciting young Gaelic singers with established artists from diverse genres to explore the artistic process of musical fusion; taking old songs from the Gaelic tradition and evolving modern interpretations of them, and also creating new songs in diverse musical styles.. Each show followed an intense two-day relationship-building and music-making process, from initial discussion through to final performance.

The Reel Blend – BBC Radio Scotland
A long-running and much-loved programme on BBC Radio Scotland featuring the very best traditional music and song, from classic 78s to brand new releases, as well as fascinating features on Scottish life. The programme  was  presented almost continuously by veteran broadcaster Robbie Shepherd, In August 2009 BBC Radio Scotland announced that The Reel Blend radio programme would no longer be broadcast. The Reel Blend had been running for over 25 years.

Pipeline – BBC Radio Scotland
Pipeline is possibly the world's most popular bagpipe radio show. A definitive weekly pipe music programme produced by Iain MacInnes and presented by Gary West , it features news and recordings from the piping world.  The programme airs on BBC Radio Scotland at 21:05 GMT on Saturdays.

BBC ALBA  Bliadhna Mhath Ùr (Hogmanay Show) – Bees Nees Media
Bliadhna Mhath Ùr on BBC ALBA. The 1 hour 45 minute show, broadcast simultaneously on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal created a live Hogmanay party atmosphere from Studio Alba in Stornoway.. Presented by Tony Kearney and Morag Dhòmhnallach of BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, the show featured a range of top Gaelic performers and guests including Julie Fowlis, Sineag Macintyre & Norrie MacIver, Na h-Òganaich, Norman MacLean, Margaret Stewart with Allan & Iain MacDonald, Seasaidh Lexy and more.

MUSIC TUTOR OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY SCOTTISH ARTS COUNCIL'S YOUTH MUSIC INITIATIVE

Terry Small
For 36 years part of Terry Small's musical career has involved teaching music, a thing he loves doing. His teaching took a professional turn when, aged 18, he gained his first two guitar students. Since then, Terry has enjoyed a continuity of inspiring young players with whom to explore music. He presently plays in the band Elvi Plectra with two of his former students. For 10 years he enjoyed teaching at Inverness College, and continues to tutor in rock and traditional music. This year was Terry's 20th Senior Feis Rois, where once again he was privileged to do the group-work. Both Django, his son and Fraya, his daughter are musicians, with Fraya playing in the traditional harp duo The Duplets.

It is Terry's belief - that the student’s love of music is the best starting point for an inspirational musical education - and that true learning is a multi-way process in which everyone is a student/teacher.

Ian Duncan
Ian Duncan of Perthshire has taught hundreds of bairns in Dundee, as a teacher with Dundee City Council since 1979. As Pipe Major of the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band from 1974 to 2000, he took the band from Grade 4 to the top of Grade 1 as well as creating a Juvenile and Novice Juvenile Band on the way. Ian's expertise was also to the fore as Pipe Major of Drambuie Kirkliston Pipe Band before helping with the "tuning" of Scottish Power and Spirit of Scotland and most recently resuming the Pipe Major role with Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band.

Nigel Gatherer
Nigel Gatherer has been involved in the traditional music of Scotland for 25 years as a collector, a player and a teacher. His students learn mandolin, penny whistle, guitar, and music in mixed instrument groups. In the 1990s he started teaching mandolin with the Scots Music Group, and almost ten years later he is in great demand all over Scotland, working with projects in Glasgow, East Kilbride, Lochgoilhead and Crieff. Nigel is also an experienced session player, often asked to lead slow sessions for festivals and events.

Louise Hunter
Louise grew up learning and playing fiddle on the Irish music scene in Glasgow and was taught by Frank McArdle and Liz Doherty. She went on to study fiddle at the RSAMD in Glasgow and the University of Limerick in Ireland. Louise now runs her own fiddle school in Glasgow called The Southside Fiddlers.

UP AND COMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND DRAMA

Paul McKenna Band
Combining their love for traditional and folk music as well as original songs and tunes the Paul McKenna Band have been playing to audiences throughout the UK since 2006. With a contemporary approach to songs, although not straying too far from their roots, their arrangements are both fresh and innovative. Their exciting sound is created through outstanding vocals, driving Guitar and Bouzouki, intense Fiddle playing, a warm pairing of Flute and Whistles and dynamic Bodhrán and percussion.

Maggie Adamson and Brian Nicholson
Maggie is a true rising star of the Shetland fiddle scene and Brian Nicholson one of Shetland’s foremost guitarists.  In 2008, when  Maggie was only fifteen the pair won a prestigious 'Danny Award' at Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. Maggie has won many national competitions and titles for her wonderful fiddle playing and the duo have already notched up two CDs.

Matheu Watson
Matheu Watson from Ross-shire  is a multi-instrumentalist playing various guitars, fiddle and whistles.  A finalist at age fifteen in the 2006 Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and a Danny Award winner with the Tassle Bandits, Matheu has gone on to work both at home and abroad, on television and radio and  as an accompanist with a number of traditional and Celtic musicians including Anna Wendy Stevenson, Fred Morrison, Anxo Lorenzo, Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson and Salsa Celtica.

The Shee
The Shee are an exceptional all-female band showcasing powerful vocals and instrumental prowess. Described as ‘flirtatiously funky’ by The Scotsman, as well as ‘boasting some of folk music’s cutting-edge instrumentalists and singers’ by the Daily Record, their music features original compositions alongside a wealth of traditional material. Their adventurous brew of Scottish folk, Gaelic song, and bluegrass has earned them fast growing recognition.

VENUE OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSORED BY SCOTTISH ARTS COUNCIL

The Old Fruit Market Glasgow
Hidden from view in the city's cultural Merchant City next to the City Halls, the Old Fruit Market forms part of Glasgow's Centre for Music. Thi            s lovely venue has kept all of its period charm, including its lofty vaulted roof, cast iron columns and balcony. The Old Fruitmarket is a popular venue for the Celtic Connections festival but it also stages folk concerts throughout the year and in 2008 was home to the Scots Trad Music Awards.

Heart of Hawick
The Heart of Hawick is a multi-agency arts and heritage initiative designed to contribute to the social, cultural and economic regeneration of Hawick and the wider Borders. Tower Mill contains an 111 seat auditorium which can be used as a cinema, theatre and conference centre, as well as a Beanscene coffee and music house. It is a great place to hear folk music and in October the TMSA Young Trad Tour included Heart of Hawick in their itinerary for the second year running.

The Queen’s Hall Edinburgh
While its roots lay in the classical tradition recognition of the Hall’s  unique atmosphere and wonderful acoustic for all styles and genres of music quickly lead to the expansion of the programme to embrace jazz, pop and the wide array of world and traditional music. Over 200 events are now staged every year with 100,000 people passing through our doors.  

Bogbain Adventure and Heritage Farm, Inverness
Where else can you get quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery, paintball, in and outdoor play areas, an arts and craft studio, exotic insects, spiders and snakes, farm animals, digger driving AND traditional music sessions and concerts?  Bogbain Adventure and Heritage Farm run by Blazin' Fiddles founder -member Bruce MacGregor, has all that and more! The farm has played host to lots of traditional music in the past year including The Highlands newest festival - Northern Roots. 

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