Scottish Music Awards raise £191,000 for music therapy charity
Nordoff and Robbins works with people who suffer from life-limiting conditions and social isolation
Musicians and artists have been celebrating their wins at the 26th Specsavers Scottish Music Awards, in aid of music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.
It was a star-studded night at the Barrowland Ballroom, which raised £191,000 for charity, with performances by Twin Atlantic, Nina Nesbitt, and Gun.
They were joined in the line up by newcomer Callum Bowie, who gave a taste of his upcoming tour on the iconic Glasgow stage.
Speaking to Tay FM about the charity, he said: “The work that they do is incredible, and it’s nice to see that they’ve grown.
“It’s taken a while to get everything going but it’s lovely to see that they’re able to touch so many people and help out.”
He told us what he was looking to about the night, adding: “I just met Nina Nesbitt, I’ve always loved her music so that was a bit of pinch me moment.
“I’m excited to see Gun as well, my dad loves their tunes as well. He always says that if I ever see them, let them know, so I’ll hopefully let them know.”
Nordoff and Robbins is the UK’s largest music therapy charity which aims to break through barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability, and social isolation.
They say: “Music therapy is the act of supporting people to connect and communicate through music who otherwise are unable to; such as those living with autism to dementia, learning difficulties to brain injuries, life-limiting illnesses to mental health issues, grief and trauma.
“Nordoff and Robbins music therapists use the power of music to create space for people to express themselves and find connection in society.”
Guests were also able to enjoy a video message from Scottish musical legend Lulu, who is setting out on tour from Sunday evening, and picked up the Rox Scottish Icon Award.
Other award winners included:
Berkeley 2 Studios – Guitar Guitar Music Industry Award
Beluga Lagoon – Barrowland Spotlight Award
Blair Ferguson – Blur69 Sound of Scotland
Calum Bowie – Beavertown’s Breakthrough Award
Country 2 Country – Ticketmaster’s Tourmaster Award
Eddi Reader – Special Recognition Award Sponsored by Specsavers
GUN – Pizza Express Album of the Year
Hannah Laing – Go Radio Breakthrough Award
Harri and Domenic – Ballantines and Subclub Electronic Music Award
Kyle Falconer – King Tuts’ Song Writing Award
LuLu – Scottish Icon Award sponsored by Rox
Nina Nesbitt – SWG3 Independent Icon Award
Phil Bowdery – OVO Hydro Promoter of the Year Award
Soup Dragons – Raymond Weil Lifetime Achievement Award
Travis – Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation
Twin Atlantic – Disruptor Award sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.
Nordoff and Robbins CEO Sandra Schembri said: “Being here tonight for the 26th annual Scottish Music Awards is more than just a celebration – it's a testament to the power of music to heal and connect us.
“Nordoff and Robbins is proud to stand with Scotland’s brilliant artists and supporters, whose passion and generosity help us to bring transformative music therapy to those who need it most.
“This evening is not only a tribute to outstanding talent, but a reminder of the incredible difference we can make together through music.”