Scottish Music Awards: Susan Boyle fans’ favourite

Susan Boyle was named Scotland's favourite musical act at the awards ceremony. Picture: Jane Barlow

Superstar DJ Calvin Harris, indie rockers Biffy Clyro and Sharleen Spiteri’s reunited band Texas also lost out to the 52-year-old, who has sold almost 20 million albums worldwide since shooting to fame just four years ago.

Her surprise victory at the 15th annual Scottish Music Awards – also known as the Tartan Clefs – came after several weeks of public voting.

The Fans’ Choice Award was a new addition for the event, the biggest in the music industry calendar north of the Border, which also acts as the main fundraiser for the leading music therapy charity Nordoff-Robbins Scotland. The only charity of its kind  in Scotland, it provides around 9,000 therapy sessions a year for both children and adults who have autistic spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, mental health problems, life-limiting illnesses and dementia.

Shirley Manson, singer with Garbage, received the prestigious outstanding achievement award for innovation in music, and rock outfit Mogwai, who are currently celebrating their 20th anniversary, were named live act of the year.

Glasgow-born songwriter John McLaughlin, who has written hits for acts as varied as Shane MacGowan, Mark Owen, Westlife, Lulu, Billie Piper and Echo & The Bunnymen, received the Living Legend Award.

Indie darlings Camera Obscura, Twin Atlantic and Admiral Fallow were also recognised at the lavish event at the Old Fruitmarket venue.

The awards saw Edinburgh-born Manson reunite with former bandmate Martin Metcalfe, from her much-loved first rock group Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, for a live performance.

Another recently reunited 1980s Scottish band, Gun, also played before the 500-strong audience, along with Nina Nesbitt, who was named Best Emerging Artist.

On song: list of winners

New Boss Award:

Rose Moon (Adele’s

co-manager)

People Make Glasgow Special Recognition Award:

Admiral Fallow

Songwriting Award:

Camera Obscura

Best Breakthrough Act:

Twin Atlantic

Best Emerging Artist:

Nina Nesbitt

Living Legend Award:

John McLaughlin

Best Live Act: Mogwai

Fans’ Choice Award:

Susan Boyle

Innovation Award:

Shirley Manson