Music Review: Scottish trad music awards

THE Scottish folk scene is generally less renowned for its sartorial than its artistic standards, but the good suits and the posh frocks were out in positively resplendent force on Saturday night, for the annual prize-giving organised by the Hands Up for Trad development agency. A welcoming address by the culture minister, Linda Fabiani, included the significant announcement of a new parliamentary steering group on traditional music, before Capercaillie opened the musical batting in typically vibrant and vigorous fashion, later returning to the stage to receive a much-deserved special award for Services to Gaelic Music.

In the main award categories – all decided by public vote – it proved to be a big night for Orkney, with singer/guitarist Kris Drever winning Instrumentalist of the Year, barnstorming eight-piece The Chair emerging as Folk Band of the Year, and singer/fiddler Jeana Leslie – in her excellent duo with Siobhan Miller – scooping the Up and Coming Artist title.

Skye, too, put in a strong showing, as the Peatbog Faeries took a well-earned bow as Live Act of the Year, and Blair Douglas took top Composer.

There were fine performances from several of Scotland's leading folk acts, including Karine Polwart, fiery instrumental sets from Breabach and Lau, and a gorgeous Gaelic medley from Kenna Campbell, flanked by five of the many young singers she has mentored at the RSAMD.

For a full list of winners, see www.handsupfortrad.co.uk