Scottish New Music Awards axed after two years

A MUSIC awards event billed as Scotland’s answer to the Grammys has been axed after just two years.

The event was due to be held at Glasgow's Classic Grand venue. Picture: Complimentary/CC

The Scottish New Music Awards were launched two years ago to help promote “emerging talent” in the industry.

However organisers have pulled the plug on the event, due to be hosted by the Classic Grand nightspot in Glasgow in September, claiming they cannot afford to stage it again.

The event had been criticised in some quarters for the quality of the winners and the running of the awards ceremony.

Bruce Hotchkiss, the Falkirk-based founder of the awards, admitted he had “stepped on a few toes”, but said he was “absolutely gutted” at failing to raise the £10,000 needed to stage the show this year.

In a statement, he said: “We have arrived at the situation where all acts have been confirmed and the venue booked, but there is the simple fact that we have not been able to raise the money needed to effectively pull off the show.

“I am devastated that ‘my baby’ will not be continuing, especially considering the support we have received over the past 12 months. Many will be glad to see us go, but many more will be saddened by this news.

“In hindsight, there are many things I would have done differently, and I know I stepped on a few toes, but at the end of the day, I was proud of what I, and all those involved managed to accomplish with the awards.

The intention was always to try and bring the music community in Scotland together, and unfortunately, many people told me I would fail, and it looks like I have.”