GENDER DIVERSITY IN THE MG ALBA SCOTS TRAD MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES

Written by Johanna Kirkpatrick

The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards remain one of the most high profile and prestigious events in the Folk and Trad calendar. The release of the 2025 nominations offers a good opportunity to take a closer look at gender balance in the highest levels of the industry.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

Overall, the news is positive with women making up the majority of artists in Album of the Year (84% either as band members or solo artists), Gaelic Singer of the Year (75%) and Up and Coming Artist of the Year (60%). It’s heartening to see women excelling in such visible categories, particularly Up and Coming Artist of the year which emphasises artists at the start of their careers.  

Amongst the categories which have a 50/50 split between male and female nominees, Industry Person of the Year is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a greater level of equality in some of the most visible and influential positions in the industry. 

WHERE DOES PROGRESS STILL NEED TO BE MADE?

Despite categories such as Best Live Band remaining overwhelmingly male dominated, there is still cause for celebration in the nomination of the Malin Lewis Band which marks an important step in greater visibility and recognition of transgender musicians on the scene. 

The awards are due to take place on the 6th of December at Aberdeen Music Hall. Let’s watch this space for the winners!

Find out more about the awards on the Hands Up For Trad website.