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 on Sunday January 28th at City Halls, Glasgow.

Presented by Mary Ann Kennedy, this was the first year the event was broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland. After what was a tough decision, judges announced that Catriona Watt (19) from the Isle of Lewis had won the coveted title with her moving performance of Gaelic song. Winning the title has brought her the opportunity to perform at various high profile festivals in the UK and across the world, a recording deal with Foot Stompin’ Records and one year’s membership of the Musician’s Union. All the finalists receive one year’s membership of the Traditional Music and Song Association and a session on BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk programme.

Jeff Zycinski, head of Radio, BBC Scotland and the Rt Hon Jack McConnell, MSP, First Minister of Scotland announced and presented the winner with her trophy live on air and in front an applauding audience.

Jeff Zycinski said: “BBC Radio Scotland is proud of its continued support of the Young Traditional Musician of the Year Awards, it’s a terrific event which gives our young musical talent a platform on which to perform. Nurturing talent is important to us and the musicians who performed here tonight more than demonstrated what talent they have. Unfortunately there can only be one winner and I am delighted to have awarded this year’s trophy to Catriona. I wish her every success in what I’m sure will be a promising and fulfilling musical career.”

First Minister Jack McConnell added: “Scotland’s traditional music remains a cornerstone of our culture. As a young man growing up in Arran I was surrounded by traditional music – and, I think it’s important that we give future generations of young people the opportunity to enjoy that music too. The BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award provides an excellent opportunity for us to promote traditional music to Scotland’s young people, and to inspire them with their heritage.

“It also sends the message out loud and clear that, if they have the determination and the talent, the opportunity is there for young Scots to go on and have a rewarding career in traditional music.”

Speaking about her win, Catriona said: “It’s been a great night and we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed it – albeit it was a little nervewracking. I’m looking forward to making the most of winning this award and using every opportunity it brings to further my career in traditional music.”
Radio Scotland has supported the Young Traditional Musician of the Year Awards since it launched 7 years ago. This award exists to encourage young musicians to keep their tradition alive and to maximise their musical potential by the pursuit of a career in traditional music.

This was the first time the final was held at the City Halls as part of the Celtic Connections Festival. It was also the first time it had been broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland.

Ends
Further Information
Jim Gough, Senior Press Officer, BBC Scotland: 0141 338 2155
Dawn England, PR & Events Manager, BBC Scotland: 0141 338 2929

For further information about Hands Up for Trad contact: Simon Thoumire @ "Hands Up For Trad"
w: www.handsupfortrad.co.uk. e: info@handsupfortrad.co.uk t: 0131 208 3089 m: 07775854572

Past winners: Gillian Frame (Arran), Emily Smith (Thornhill), Anna Massie (Fortrose), James Graham (Lochinver), Stuart Cassells (Falkirk), Shona Mooney (Lauder).
Event sponsors are South Lanarkshire Council, Foot Stompin' Records, Celtic Connections Festival, Musicians Union, Watercolour Music, British Council Scotland, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Traditional Music and Song Association, Clydesdale Folk Club.

More photos.

Back to BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2007