MG ALBA has published an invitation to tender for the Delivery of Services for FilmG15 and FilmG16.
Deadline: 8 June 2022
More information: here
OMC! (OMG!) is a homegrown Gaelic sketch show from Scot Squad producers, The Comedy Unit.
With a cast of outrageous characters and fast-paced visual gags, the series is sure to have them rolling in the isles.
From lovelorn posties to tasteless TV chefs, OMC! brings some kooky characters to BBC ALBA, in what is the first foray into Gaelic comedy for over a decade by Scottish comedy hit-machine, The Comedy Unit.
BBC ALBA comedy and children’s TV star, Hannah McKirdy brings Scotland’s Croft of the Year and Cake Wars to viewers in OMC! this March, alongside rising Scottish star Lana Pheutan, and veterans of Gaelic comedy Arthur Donald and Carina MacLeod.
The sketch show features an intimate dining experience, an embarrassing confrontation in the shopping aisle, ferry office fiascos, and an everlasting proposal.
Rab Christie, Managing Director at OMC! producer The Comedy Unit, said: “We were delighted to get the opportunity to work with so many talented individuals on both sides of the camera to create a brand-new sketch series for BBC ALBA.
“Like some of our English language comedies, OMC! features a mix of writers, performers and writer-performers and we were blown away by the quality of material they produced. Throughout the process, the priority was for Gaelic-speakers to take the lead on what content featured and who or what the show should target and send-up. It was brilliant to see the cast and crew flourish on OMC!”
On the significance of new, modern Gaelic comedy content, Bill Macleod, Commissioning Editor for BBC ALBA said: “Gaels have got a lively sense of the ridiculous and are never happier than when they’re poking fun at each other – as I know to my cost having often been on the receiving end of it in writers’ meetings! This show has it all – from satire, to the surreal, to the downright silly.”
OMC! airs weekly from Wednesday 9 March at 10pm for 4 weeks on BBC ALBA, and each episode will be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days afterwards.
BBC ALBA productions have been recognised at the Royal Television Society Scotland’s annual awards ceremony this week, after securing nominations across the festival categories.
Eòrpa, BBC ALBA’s flagship European current affairs programme secured an award in the News and Current Affairs for its enlightening instalment examining the Highlands’ involvement in the slave trade.
Produced by BBC Scotland Productions, the programme brought historical testimonies to light, and helped to unveil some of the realities around Scotland’s involvement in the Atlantic slave trade.
Eòrpa presenter, journalist & historian, Ruairidh MacIver, said: “This programme was a team effort and I’m very thankful to RTS Scotland for recognising our work in this way. I’d like to thank the historians, such as David Alston and Iain Mackinnon, who were so generous with their time and research. Particular thanks to Graham Campbell, Karrie Prescott, Jack Shehata and Philomena de Lima, who helped us understand the impact the legacy slavery still has today.”
Also recognised by the Royal Television Society was purpleTV’s sports documentary Na Boireannaich a Thog Glasgow City/The Women Who Built Glasgow City, looking at the story behind the founding and early success of Glasgow City FC.
Margot McCuaig, Director at purpleTV said “I am utterly thrilled that The Women Who Built Glasgow City has secured this award. Whilst it’s personally rewarding, it is also an important message affirming that women’s stories matter.
Women’s voices have been marginalised for too long and this documentary, telling the remarkable story of Laura Montgomery and Cas Stewart, is evidence of the central role women in sport have played, and continue to play, in Scottish culture and society. It is an absolute privilege to have amplified their voices for BBC ALBA audiences.”
BBC ALBA Head of Service, Margaret Mary Murray, said: “It’s testament to the consistent high quality of programming created by BBC ALBA’s producers that six entries from six companies were nominated for RTS Scotland Awards this year.
“We are immensely proud of them all but are delighted for the Eòrpa and PurpleTV teams who won the news & current affairs and sport categories with compelling and inspirational programmes. Our congratulations also go to all of the RTS Scotland 2021 nominees and winners.”
Music lovers can watch a full version of ‘The Last Dance’ concert film which captures Runrig’s farewell concert at Stirling Castle when it airs on BBC ALBA for the first time this April as part of a special weekend of programmes about the band.
The sell-out gigs in August 2018 were filmed live in front of 50,000 fans by Glasgow based digital entertainment company Blazing Griffin.
This exclusive programme on BBC ALBA will show the full three hours of concert which was filmed at the iconic and historic location of Stirling Castle.
Formed in 1973 on the Isle of Skye, Runrig’s rise to fame in the 1970’s and 80’s as Scotland’s most successful folk and rock band culminated in a career spanning 45 years.
They produced 14 studio albums and took Gaelic music from the village halls of the Highlands to arenas across the world including Canada and New York. They held sold-out concerts at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as New York’s Times Square, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Edinburgh Castle.
Runrig – The Last Dance also features performances by some other well-known and talented Scottish musical guests including Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, Laura McGhee, Gary Innes, Dave Towers and the Glasgow Gaelic Islay Choir.
Donnie Munro, Runrig’s lead singer from 1974 to 1997, joins the band on stage during the show much to the delight of fans.
Runrig founding member Rory Macdonald who lives in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, said: “It’s the love of performing that kept the group going for over 45 years. Our farewell performance brought all this to a close – a shared, visceral experience that will stay with me forever. In many ways, our bond with the fans has been our success and this film illustrates this throughout.”
His brother Calum from Ross-Shire, added: “During these uncertain times it may be hard to feel connected with the communities we love most. We hope that the Runrig community and our fans will feel a sense of togetherness when they watch our farewell concert on BBC ALBA and that it will help raise the spirits.”
Steven Little, The Last Dance concert film producer at Blazing Griffin, said: “We’re so pleased to see the full 3-hour concert film released on BBC ALBA, it’s the perfect platform to reach out to Runrig’s local fans. I was delighted to work on this production, it captures the magic of the band and provides the tribute the band was looking to give to their fans. It’s an incredibly uplifting and lively concert film, I just know that Runrig fans are going to love this.”
Margaret Cameron, Channel Editor at MG ALBA, said: “BBC ALBA is delighted to have a weekend of Runrig content to offer our audiences with the jewel in the crown being the full The Final Dance concert. It’s been great to work with Blazing Griffin and to be able to bring this exceptional moment to BBC ALBA.”
Runrig -The Last Dance is on BBC ALBA on Saturday, April 3 at 8pm.
Air an Oir, a classic programme from the BBC ALBA archive which looks at the roots of Runrig’s musical influences will also be shown on BBC ALBA on Friday, April 2 at 9pm and an archive concert Runrig – City of Lights will air on Sunday, April 4 at 9pm. All programmes will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days after they air.
A film by a wild-swimmer and all-round outdoors enthusiast exploring how lockdown made him feel has scooped a major award at FilmG 2021, the Gaelic Short Film Competition.
Highlander Calum Maclean (32), a photographer and TV presenter, reflects on the strangeness of the Covid-19 lockdown and expresses his frustration at feeling stuck at home 24/7 in his film Am Bruadar.
It shows the filmmaker shrinking down to enjoy an epic, poetic adventure around his garden to reflect how his world feels a lot smaller because he’s unable to travel as far as he normally would.
Calum said: “I’m surprised and very pleased to win. I spent so long working on the film that for a while I actually hated the end product!
“I filmed myself on green screen and then got footage around the garden, and not a lot of it worked. But eventually it came together and looked semi-legit, and I can watch it again now!
“I think the FilmG Awards are brilliant, especially this year, when we’ve been stuck inside, it’s been important to stay creative. I love seeing so many young people making films, too. You never know what they will do after that initial spark.
“It’s also great to see young people using Gaelic outside of school, for something creative. I think that’s important.”
The award winners were revealed tonight (Friday, March 19) via a specially made TV show hosted by FilmG and BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.
This year’s competition received a record 104 entries, across 17 categories (spanning both open and youth), with a total of 41 films shortlisted.
A youth film spoofing the morning news programmes of BBC Radio Nan Gàidheal has won the People’s Choice category. Thairis na Maidne by Jonathan MacDonald and Lachlann MacLeod, shows the children acting as radio hosts – and pensioners – as they bring local headlines from Staffin in Skye.
This film, made by young actors from the north end of Skye, received three separate awards on the night proving it was both a public and judge’s favourite. Although, as we heard in the programme young actor Lachlann is more focussed on a career as a crofter rather than on the small screen!
Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust), from the Isle of Lewis, have retained the Best Community Film award they got last year. While 2020’s effort dealt with climate change, this year’s effort, Sgìre le Spiorad looks at a how a local shop helped pull the community together during lockdown.
Their film tells the story of Cross Stores, who started doing local deliveries of food and other essentials to vulnerable people in the community who were shielding during the pandemic and the community-owned estate filmed a short film to celebrate the owners and their staff.
There’s some great music, too, with new Gaelic rapper Hammy Sgìth from Glasgow winning Best Performance with a reversioning of the Gaelic ditty Brochan Lom – a fine slice of Gaelic hip-hop spanning everything from conspiracy theories to new Gaelic catchphrases.
The awards will be available to view on the BBC iPlayer for the next 30 days, with a repeat on BBC ALBA on Monday evening at 10.30pm (March 22nd)
The full winners are as follows:
People’s Choice Award (open across both Open and Youth categories) Thairis na Maidne by Jonathan MacDonald and Lachlann MacLeod. A take on the morning news programme on Radio Nan Gaidheal (Aithris Na Maidne).
OPEN CATEGORY
Best Film Am Bruadar by Calum MacLean. An imaginative look on escapism and adventures through lockdown.
Best Student Film Janni, Air Muir is Tir by Innes MacLeod. A film about Janni Diez (Gàidhlig officer at Gaelic University Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and her love of the outdoors.
Best Community Film Sgire le Spiorad by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn. A look at Cross Stores and the work they did through lockdown to get provisions to older members of the community. This local community group won the same award last year.
Most Promising New Director John Nicholson for Bron. A drama about a fishing bag washing up on the beach and two brothers, one of which has a dark secret.
Best Mobile Short Conntraigh by Tanca Aonghais. A look at the wildlife on the shore after the tide has gone out.
Best Performance Brochan Lom by Hammy Sgìth. Ooh aah Slainte mhath! – it’s the man with the Gaidhlig rapping skills.
Best Script Aiseirigh by Fiona J NicCoinnich. A mixture of new and existing poetry set to the views of Canna.
YOUTH CATEGORY
Best Youth Group Film Na Cèicean Blasta, by Craighill Primary School in Tain. A take on Little Red Riding Hood. A wolf steals Red Riding Hood’s cakes. A court case ensues and the outcome isn’t as bad for the wolf as first though.
Best Film Na Cèicean Blasta, Craighill Primary School.
Best Production Claidheamh Cutach by Finlay MacDonald and Silas Brown. Two duelling strangers unite to defeat the evil queen.
Best Performance Johnathan MacDonald in Thairis Na Maidne.
FilmG Gaelic award for fluent speakers Thairis Na Maidne . Jonathan MacDonald and Lachlann MacLeod. 3 awards in total for this film.
FilmG Gaelic award for learners Sealladh Ùr by Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil. A young woman struggles to read, but her view is transformed with the help of a friend.
International Representative Aonaichte by Nuala MacDonald. A look at loneliness and the power of friendship.
Best Documentary Bhon Làimh Chun a’ Bheòil by Eoin Cuimeanach. A documentary about catching and eating your own food.
Best Young Filmmaker Tadhal Air Taibhsean by Finlay Morrison. A ghost hunt in a spooky old house.
For more information, www.filmg.co.uk
Further updates can be found on FilmG’s Social Media Channels:
facebook.com/filmgalba/
instagram.com/filmg_alba/
twitter.com/FilmGAlba
BBC ALBA will be offering a range of programmes to support learning. Titles such as Baile Mhuilinn, A’ Bhùth, Leugh le Linda, Aithne air Ainmhidhean and Saidheans Spòrsail will be screened in the daily CBeebies and CBBC ALBA schedule with all programmes being made available through iPlayer after transmission.
Additional programmes will also be made available within a learning collection on BBC ALBA’s iPlayer channel from 11th January through to 2nd April. This will include primary content with a focus on maths, numeracy, literacy and history. The collection will also include a range of Bitesize video content produced in Gaelic for primary maths, science, literacy and social studies.
Further learning resources for primary and secondary school children at National 5 and Higher is accessible through the Bitesize website, bbc.co.uk/bitesize with pre-school resources available through bbc.co.uk/cbeebiesalba, and CBeebies and CBBC ALBA content can also be found on BBC ALBA’s YouTube channel.
BBC ALBA is set to be the channel of choice this Christmas with a mix of programmes for the whole family, the centre piece of which will be the traditional ALBA Hogmanay ceilidh – socially distant but live, and simulcast on BBC Radio nan Gaidheal and worldwide via the BBC iPlayer.
Across the festive period, BBC ALBA will offer a wealth of personal stories. In NY2SY broadcaster Niall Iain MacDonald recounts his incredibly dramatic and life threatening experience as he set out to row across the Atlantic.
Two special documentaries, Dystonia: Beatha air Fhiaradh and Lipoedema – Lorna’s Story, share moving and candid testimonies from two people with life-changing illnesses. For almost 40 years, DK MacPhee has lived with dystonia, leaving him unable to straighten his head. This has impacted on many aspects of his daily life. Lorna Taggart from the Isle of Skye has spent a lifetime battling the condition lipoedema; a fat cell disorder for which there may be life-changing surgery.
At this time of year, we all look forward to watching the very best films, and courtesy of Cinema Gadelica presented by Patsi MacKenzie, we will discover some fascinating film trivia about the famous and infamous filmmakers who have been drawn to the spectacular scenery of Scotland, even when masquerading as exotic locations in films ranging from James Bond to 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Seasoned comedy writer Iain Macleod, known from the hit Canadian series Trailer Park Boys brings us two quirky Gaelic short films, both shot in Nova Scotia. The Espresso Machine and The Unhappy Pioneers deal with awkward situations and even more awkward individuals.
BBC ALBA programmes will also showcase professions, passions, traditions and phenomena rooted in and linked to the Highlands and Islands with fisherfolk, blacksmiths, poachers and amateur rally drivers as well as the elusive Aurora Borealis all under the spotlight.
And there is plenty programming to keep youngsters entertained during the holidays. Starting with a powerful and touching animation, Sol. On Christmas Day, treats include the much-anticipated new Julia Donaldson animation, Zog, and the real-life adventures of Lena, a young crofter in the Isle of Harris, who is on a special mission!
To finish the year, catch the gorgeous animated film from Studio Ghibli on its UK premiere, Ronja, the Robbers Daughter, written by the creator of Pippi Longstocking, on New Year’s Eve from 6pm.
Later that evening we will take a wry look back at the year that was in Siud Agad E 2020 (There goes 2020) followed by Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire hosted by Cathy MacDonald in Glasgow and Niall Iain MacDonald in Stornoway. They will be joined by some special international guests alongside Trail West, Sian, the Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band and Peat & Diesel who usher out the old and welcome the new in style.
BBC ALBA’s Head of Service, Margaret Mary Murray, said: “We are sure our special selection of programmes will offer the best company over the coming weeks with stories of interest, intrigue and inspiration. There will be time for reflection, reminiscing and joyous celebration as we invite you to join us each day this Christmas on BBC ALBA”
Find more information about the festive schedule here
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr bho BBC ALBA! / Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from BBC ALBA!
Sol – an inspiring film about a little boy’s journey through grief – premieres in the UK and Republic of Ireland on the darkest night of the year, the Winter Solstice – Monday 21 December.
The animated, 28-minute film, which will be shown on BBC ALBA in Scotland, aims to bring light and comfort to families with young children as the darkest year in modern times draws to a close.
Featuring a boy called Sol whose world is plunged into darkness when his beloved grandmother dies, the film explores the different aspects of grief (shock, yearning, disorientation and resolution) through the eyes of a child.
The film has been created as a vital and relevant resource to help children and families cope with grief and is especially poignant after such a difficult year nationwide.
It is hoped the storyline and characters will help spark conversations amongst teachers, parents and young children about how to manage your feelings after the death of a loved one.
Recognising the need nationwide for such a topical film, multiple TV broadcasters have come together to premiere Sol across seven platforms on the same day.
Originally commissioned by regional broadcasters as a Celtic-language film in Welsh, Irish and Scottish Gaelic, Sol will also be broadcast with English subtitles to a national audience.
Gaelic singer and actress Anna Murray voices Sol’s grandmother (while Emmy award-winning Irish actor, Fionnula Flanagan voices the English language version) and Gaelic singer Ellen MacDonald voices Sol’s mother.
Sol was created and produced by Belfast-based children’s TV production company Paper Owl Films, with the Gaelic version for BBC ALBA created by Obh! Obh! Studios in Stornoway.
Bill MacLeod, Commissioning Editor at MG ALBA, which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, said: “Sol is very much a film for our times – but it also taps into an older strand in Celtic tradition in which the changes in the seasons and the turning of the year have a deep significance. I’m sure that this beautiful and wise programme will bring a little light into all our lives.”
Paper Owl Creative Director, Grainne McGuinness said: “Now, more than ever, children need strong visual stories to help them deal with unfamiliar emotions and to inspire a way forward full of optimism.”
Sol was commissioned by Celtic broadcasters TG4, S4C and BBC ALBA and distributed by Aardman. It received funding from the British Film Institute’s Young Audiences Content Fund, and from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund and Screen Fund. The Albert calculator and sustainable production certification was used to measure and reduce the production’s carbon footprint.
The BFI’s Head of Young Audiences Fund, Jackie Edwards said: “Sol’ is about remembering, with love, those we’ve lost, knowing we’re not alone and encouraging families to talk about their loss. Far too many children and young people are experiencing grief this year, and so we wanted to create a moment to pause and reflect, and for public service broadcasters to come together and co-transmit this special film to as many of this country’s young people as possible to support them to find light in the darkness.”
Film Synopsis:
Sol is a young boy plunged into darkness after the loss of his grandmother whom he adored. He is the reluctant hero of his own story – sent on a quest to bring back the light to a darkening world.
His quest takes him through a vast landscape made from Nonee’s memories – the collected photos and scraps of her photo albums. He has help in this world, guided as he is by Nonee as a little girl in the beginning and finding her at different stages of her life along the way.
At the end of their journey, Sol reaches the Ancient Temple of Light in the East, where his grandmother is waiting for him…he realises he can accept his feelings of grief as his love for her is far greater than the pain from his loss. He accepts that the world was a better place because his grandmother was part of it and that her memory will always be a part of him. Love never goes away.
Monday 21 December – Sol’s broadcast schedule:
18:30 LIVE: S4C (in Welsh), TG4 (in Irish), BBC ALBA (in Scottish Gaelic)
19:30 LIVE: CiTV (with English subtitles)
19:30 On DEMAND: iTV Hub, All 4, My5 (with English subtitles)
The usually live annual event was this year broadcast in a vibrant programme put together and aired exclusively on BBC ALBA. Hosted by Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, award winners were announced along with specially-recorded music performances from some of traditional music’s top luminaries, including The Iona Fyfe Trio, Project Smok, Deirdre Graham, Jarlath Henderson and Karen Matheson as well as Phil Cunningham and many more.
This year’s event had been set to take place in Dundee’s Caird Hall but with live music and event restrictions in place for the foreseeable future, Hands Up for Trad worked to support artists and provide an alternative platform, culminating in two special programmes of Na Trads on BBC ALBA.
Joy Dunlop presented the inductees to the Hall of Fame on Friday evening, followed by the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards themselves on Saturday. The awards will be shown again on BBC ALBA at 9pm on Saturday 18th December 2020 and will be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days.
Ealasaid MacDonald, Director of Strategy & External Affairs at title sponsors MG ALBA, which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, said: “Once again, the Trads has showcased the best of creativity and talent across Scotland. MG ALBA would like to congratulate all those who have taken part, those nominated and the winners, as they have been part of a very different year where music has been an essential part of all our lives. We are delighted that Hands Up for Trad has brought us all together for this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the best of traditional music.”
Hands Up for Trad’s founder and Creative Director Simon Thoumire thanked all involved:
“The arrival of Covid-19 has required a massive change for us all, impacted in so many different ways, and I want to thank MG ALBA and our sponsors, the artists and musicians and crew and everyone who voted.
“Everyone has worked together tirelessly to maintain, pivot and bring our music programme online right through this year, culminating in last night’s fantastic BBC ALBA broadcast of the Na Trads 2020 programme of our annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, the pinnacle of our year.”
Within the awards programme, three pillars of the Scots Trad Music community were recognised through special awards; the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award sponsored by Creative Scotland awarded to James Robertson, the Services to Gaelic Award sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig awarded to John Smith, and the 2020 Hamish Henderson Award for Services to Traditional Music went to Lisa Whytock.
Tweaked for 2020 to reflect everything the entire industry has created due to Covid-19, MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Award winners are:
1. Album of The Year, sponsored by Birnam CD
The Woods by Hamish Napier
2. Original Work of the Year, sponsored by PRS for Music
Everyday Heroes by Skerryvore
3. Community Music Project of the Year, sponsored by Greentrax Recordings
Tunes in the Hoose
4. Event of the Year Award sponsored by VisitScotland
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 20th Anniversary Concert (Celtic Connections)
5. Gaelic Singer of the Year, sponsored by The Highland Society of London
Fionnag NicChoinnich (Fiona MacKenzie)
6. Musician of the Year, sponsored by the University of the Highlands and Islands
Tim Edey
7. Online Performance of 2020, sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust
Duncan Chisholm’s Covid Ceilidh
8. Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year, sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association (TMSA), for artists singing in Scots language
Siobhan Miller
9. Trad Video of the Year, sponsored by Threads of Sound
Calum Dan’s Transit Van by Peat & Diesel
10. Trad Music in the Media, sponsored by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Anna Massie – Black Isle Correspondent
11. Up & Coming artist of the Year, sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Rebecca Hill
12. Music Tutor of the Year, sponsored by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative
Josie Duncan
To celebrate the best of Scottish traditional music, BBC ALBA will broadcast the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards across Friday and Saturday evening.
Na Trads 2020 will feature phenomenal performances from leading trad musicians and the highly regarded annual awards give recognition to excellence; encompassing all aspects of the trad scene including Gaelic & Scots singing, instrumentation and a host of others in between.
This year the event was set to take place in Dundee’s Caird Hall, but the vibrant celebration continues on BBC ALBA with specially recorded music performances from some of traditional music’s top luminaries, including, The Iona Fyfe Trio, Project Smok, Deirdre Graham, Jarlath Henderson, Phil Cunningham, Karen Matheson and many more.
Presented by Mary Ann Kennedy and Alistair Heather, the awards on the evening of Saturday 12th December will be presented in a new tri-lingual format in Gaelic, Scots and English to celebrate the wealth of trad culture in Scotland.
Acclaimed Gaelic singer Mary Ann Kennedy, who herself won the Gaelic Singer of the Year award in 2019, is a stalwart of Na Trads having presented the show since the first broadcast on BBC ALBA in 2008.
New co-presenter, writer and broadcaster Alistair Heather, is a strong advocate for the Scots language and also hosts the annual Scots Language Awards.
On Friday night, a special new programme for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards Hall of Fame will be broadcast on BBC ALBA, hosted by Gaelic singer and broadcaster Joy Dunlop.
Featuring performances from Old Blind Dogs and acclaimed Gaelic singer Margaret Stewart, Joy will introduce the inductees to the 2020 Hall of Fame.
Margaret Cameron, Commissioning Editor and Head of Creative Collaborations for BBC ALBA said, “Na Trads is must-watch viewing for anyone with an interest in Scottish traditional culture and we’re delighted to be bringing this to our viewers yet again. There’s a real buzz around the awards which will be exclusively announced on the show.”
Ealasaid MacDonald, Director of Strategy & External Affairs at MG ALBA, said: “MG ALBA are extremely proud to sponsor these awards, and we can’t wait to watch the programmes on BBC ALBA. It’s been a very difficult year for the music industry in Scotland and that’s what makes this recognition for all the impressive innovation and collaboration all the more important.”
Watch Na Trads 2020 on BBC ALBA or on the BBC iPlayer:
9pm Friday 11 December Na Trads 2020: MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Hall of Fame
9pm Saturday 12 December Na Trads 2020: MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards
Music Tutor of the Year, sponsored by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative
• Rua MacMillan
• Rachel Hair
• Josie Duncan
• Lauren MacColl
• Corrina Hewat
• Laura-Beth Salter
• Louise (Mackenzie) Douglas
Gaelic Singer of the Year, sponsored by The Highland Society of London
• Fionnag NicChoinnich (Fiona MacKenzie)
• Joy Dunlop
• Rachel Walker
• Raymond Bremner
Album of The Year, sponsored by Birnam CD
• All Is Not Forgotten by Siobhan Miller
• Banjaxed by Ciaran Ryan
• Bayview by Project Smok
• Eye of the Storm by Tide Lines
• Light My Byre by Peat & Diesel
• Shhh I’m on the phone by Innes Watson
• Steall by Ewen Henderson
• The Ledger by Gillian Frame, Findlay Napier and Mike Vass
• The Roke by Ross Miller
• The Woods by Hamish Napier
Up & Coming artist of the Year, sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• Benedict Morris
• Rebecca Hill
• Malin Makes Music
• Avocet
Community Music Project of the Year, sponsored by Greentrax Recordings
• Campbell’s Ceilidh
• Tunes in the Hoose
• MacGregor’s Live at Five
• Hands Up for Trad Strathspey and Reel Society
• Covid Choir Workshops
• Carry On Streamin
• Comhairle Cèilidhs (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar)
Event of the Year Award sponsored by VisitScotland
• 365 stories + Music (Aidan O’Rourke and James Robertson)
• Virtual Edinburgh International Harp Festival
• Fèis Rois Adult Feis Weekend Online
• Tional Gaelic Online Music Festival
• BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 20th Anniversary Concert (Celtic Connections)
• Coastal Connections (Celtic Connections)
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year, sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association (TMSA)
• Siobhan Miller
• Claire Hastings
• Adam Holmes
• Allan & Rosemary McMillan
Trad Video of the Year, sponsored by Threads of Sound
• Erica’s by Balter
• Calum Dan’s Transit Van by Peat & Diesel
• Deep Dark Beast by Twelfth Day
• Moorlough Shore by ELIR
• Ceòl Mòr Style by Calum MacCrimmon
• Taste the Rain by Tide Lines Choir
Online Performance of 2020, sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust
• Sandy on Sunday Show (Sandy Brechin)
• Live from The Lounge with Paul Anderson and Shona Donaldson
• Pete Clark From The Shed
• Tide Lines Virtual World Tour
• Skerryvore Live Across The World
• Duncan Chisholm’s #CovidCeilidh
• Lomond Ceilidh Band’s The Daily Ceilidh
Original Work of the Year, sponsored by PRS for Music
• The Woods by Hamish Napier
• Everyday Heroes by Skerryvore
• Graham Rorie – The Orcadians of Hudson Bay
• Rachel Newton – To the Awe
• Camhanaich (Dawn) by Mhairi Hall
Trad Music in the Media, sponsored by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
• Marie Martin – Box and Fiddle Magazine
• Ewan Galloway and Derek Hamilton – RadioGH
• Fiona McNeill – Celtic & Folk Fusions Radio Show
• Sruth na Maoile (BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta)
• Anna Massie – Black Isle Correspondent
Musician of the Year, sponsored by the University of the Highlands and Islands
• Tim Edey
• Peter Wood
• Anna Massie
• Jenn Butterworth
• Ailie Robertson
• John Carmichael
