The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, known as “Na Trads” or the “folk Oscars,” will take place at Paisley Arena (Lagoon Leisure Centre) on Saturday, December 5, marking their return to the town for the first time since 2017.
Simon Thoumire, organiser of the Scots Trad Music Awards, said: “Paisley is a powerhouse of cultural creativity so we’re hugely excited to be taking the Trad Awards back to the town this year.
“The awards are an opportunity for Scotland’s traditional music scene to gather under one roof and recognise the energy, ingenuity and talent that exists.
“Traditional music is an important cultural asset for Scotland, which continues to find new audiences, and it’s vital that we champion this.
“We also want to hear from fans about what organisations and acts have inspired them this year – come and let us know who deserves to be honoured, or better yet, come along to Paisley and celebrate the best of Scotland’s trad music with us.”
The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are coming to Paisley (Image: Supplied)
The awards night will honour musicians, singers, venues, festivals, organisations, and teachers who contribute to Scotland’s thriving folk scene.
Nominations are now open and can be submitted by the public at projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotstradmusicawards until Sunday, October 18.
Martyn MacDonald of electrotrad group Valtos, who will perform at the event, said: “The Trad Awards are always a highlight of our year and it’s an honour to be asked to play to a room full of our peers while they’re being celebrated for their many talents.
“It’s always a brilliant evening bringing together acts and artists from the full cross-section of the Traditional, Gaelic, and Scots Music worlds and we look forward to finding out, and supporting, all of the nominees.”
This year’s line-up will feature performances from Valtos, Gaelic vocal trio Sian, Orkney folk quartet Gnoss, online folk fusion group Spodo Komodo, and the 2026 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Rachel Groves.
Young musicians from Renfrewshire’s Feis Phaislig will also perform.
The event will be hosted by long-time presenters Mary Ann Kennedy and Alistair Heather.
Awards will be given in categories such as Album of the Year, Musician of the Year, Venue of the Year, and Festival of the Year.
Siobhan Anderson, music officer at Creative Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see Na Trads return to Paisley this year, with all of the town’s character, culture and heritage on offer.
“The night will bring folk-lovers and performers together to celebrate the colourful variety, depth and talent of Scotland’s thriving traditional music scene.
“Every nomination from the public is a huge support to their favourite artists, events, organisations and individuals helping them to reach the next steps in their career and development.”
The awards are organised by Hands Up For Trad and supported by Creative Scotland and MG ALBA.
Lorna Macaulay, director of partnerships and development at MG ALBA, said: “As headline sponsor of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, we are proud to celebrate the exceptional talent, creativity and ambition that define Scotland’s traditional music community.
“From grassroots projects and youth initiatives to world-class performances on global stages, artists continue to innovate while keeping Gaelic language, heritage and culture at the heart of their work.
“Through our longstanding partnership and coverage on BBC ALBA, MG ALBA is delighted to help bring these remarkable voices, stories and music to audiences across Scotland and beyond.”
A two-hour highlights programme will be broadcast on BBC ALBA at 9pm on Sunday, December 6.
Tickets for the event are available now via the Renfrewshire Box Office.