Breaking previous voting records, this year there were over 70,000 votes cast by the public from all over the world (South Africa, USA, New Zealand, Canada, Russia and Argentina) for the Scots Trad Music Awards 2006 which were announced at the Nevis Centre, Fort William on Saturday 2nd December 2006.

The fourth Trad Music Awards, sponsored by McEwan’s, received 10,000 more votes than last year for the 64 nominations in 16 categories. Organiser, Simon Thoumire noted that, “The number of votes that have been cast is incredible. The internet has enabled us to receive votes from all over the world and prove that Scottish traditional music is hugely popular around the globe.”

Voting was conducted by postal ballot and online voting in conjunction with BBC Scotland’s Celtic Roots website (www.bbc.co.uk/celticroots )

Performers at the awards included Peatbog Faeries, Julie Fowlis, Gordon Duncan Tribute (with Stuart Cassells), Shona Mooney Band, Gordon Shand Dance Band, Ceol Mor, Feis Lochaber, TMSA 40th Celebrations and Jim Reid.

The Trad Music Awards were presented by Mary Ann Kennedy and Stuart Cassells and supported by the Scottish Arts Council.

Commenting on the awards Ian Smith, Head of Music at the Scottish Arts Council said: “The Scots Trad Music Awards, supported by the Scottish Arts Council and BBC Radio Scotland, ensure that Scottish Traditional Music enjoys a deserved high profile both nationally and internationally alongside the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music. We are delighted to be associated with the Scots Trad Awards and wish all of the nominated/winning artists, bands and organisations every success.”

The Scots Trad Music Award 2006 Winners Are:


Album of the Year
Heart of America (Donnie Munro)

Club of the Year
Wick Accordian and Fiddle Club

Community Project of the Year
Feisean nan Gaidheal

Composer of the Year
Donald Shaw

Event of the Year
World Pipe Band Championships

Gaelic Singer of the Year
Kathleen MacInnes

Services to Industry Award
Johnny Mowat (Orkney Folk Festival)

Instrumentalist of the Year
Aidan O’Rourke

Live Act of the Year
The McCalmans

Scots Singer of the year
Sylvia Barnes

Scottish Dance Band of the Year
Marian Anderson Scottish Dance Band

Scottish Folk Band of the Year
Anna Massie Band

Scottish Pipe Band of the Year
Kintyre Schools

Up & Coming Artist of the Year
Jenna Cumming

Strathspey & Reel Society of the Year
Banchory Strathspey and Reel Society

McEwans Sessions Venue of the Year
The Lismore, Glasgow

The Hall of Fame inductees are:

Aly Bain MBE
Kenna Campbell
Jock Duncan
Fergie MacDonald
Buddy McMaster
Donald MacPherson
Jeannie Robertson MBE
Sir Jimmy Shand MBE

Robbie Shepherd MBE was awarded the Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award, an award which means that he too will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.