15 women recognised for their contribution to traditional Scottish culture in new annual list

Musicians and broadcasters, writers and promoters have been recognised as some of the most influential women working in Scotland’s traditional culture scene.

The organisers of the annual Scots Trad Music Awards have launched a new annual initiative to coincide with the run-up to International Women’s Day.

Hands Up For Trad says its 15-strong Women and Culture List is aimed at recognising the wealth of talent and diversity of the scene, as well as the contribution of each woman to Scotland’s “rich cultural landscape.”

Singers Karine Polwart, Josie Duncan, Joy Dunlop, Christine Kydd, Subri “Brina” Ward and Margaret Bennett have all been recognised, along with cellist Su-a Lee, guitarist Jenn Butterworth and multi-instrumentalist Anna Massie, presenter of Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk programme.

The list also includes PR company director Hannah Innes, music promoter and producer Jane-Anne Purdy, Shona MacLennan, chief executive of the Bòrd na Gàidhlig agency, fiddle teacher Sheila Sapkota, writer and researcher Ashley Douglas, and Fiona Dalgetty, chief executive of traditional arts group Fèis Rois.

Hands Up For Trad founder Simon Thoumire said: “Our Women in Music and Culture List has been announced to celebrate just some of the women working in Scotland in 2023.

"We have chosen 15 women who have and are contributing towards Scotland’s rich cultural landscape. Hands Up for Trad aims to recognise the wealth of talent and diversity they all bring through their work.

"These 15 women are, of course, just a snapshot of all the many women doing amazing work in our sector but in a world of fast paced and transient news, we wanted to provide a platform, where these women can talk about their work and ambitions for the future as we all re-emerge from challenging times.

Cellist Su-a Lee. Picture: Andrew Milligan

“Hands Up for Trad exists to promote Scottish traditional music and culture through education, information and advocacy.

"Our core purpose is to promote and shine the spotlight on the diversity of work taking place in Scotland. Ideally there would be no place for a list promoting the work of women but until true equity and equality exist in our community, we will continue to seek opportunities like International Women’s Day to platform the work and role of women in Scottish music and culture.”