The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024 took place in Inverness on Saturday 30 November. Celebrating Scotland’s traditional music since 2003, the event is an opportunity to showcase talent and contributions to our cultural heritage. This year’s winner in the Gaelic Singer of the Year category is none other than Emma MacLeod.
Emma, a 26-year-old Scalpach, works as a Presenter & Interstitials Producer at MG ALBA in Stornoway. She has been involved in various choirs over the years: Sir E Scott school choir, Lothian Gaelic Choir, Alba Choir, Barra Gaelic Choir, and Binneas.
“Choral singing has opened many doors. The Alba Choir performed at Eurovision Choir of the Year in Gothenburg back in 2019 and Binneas performed at the King’s Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle,” says Emma.
She won the Traditional Gold Medal in Inverness in 2021 and, last year, the An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal in Paisley. “It was because of my singing that I was offered a role in An Clò Mòr. Director Tony Kearney witnessed my trad gold medal win in 2021 and wanted to meet with me right away for a chat about a potential acting role. Acting was not something I had ever considered doing but I took the opportunity and loved every minute of being Murdina MacSween,” shared Emma.
“Singing has been a massive part of my life from a young age and has opened up so many doors throughout the years. Winning Gaelic Singer of the Year was a complete shock, but I am absolutely honoured and hope this will kick start even more exciting opportunities.”
Among the winners of this year’s Na Trad were also Skye’s folk and electronica band Niteworks (Live Act of the Year and Services to Gaelic Award), Ciorstaidh Beaton, clàrsach player and concert harpist from Skye (Musician of the Year), and Falasgair, folk band formed in Skye and Glasgow (Up and Coming Artist of the Year). Album of the Year, The Waiting Room by Eamonn Nugent, was awarded posthumously and collected on behalf of Eamonn by his family.
The awards were broadcast live on BBC ALBA and can be watched back on BBC iPlayer or via bbc.co.uk/alba.
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