Specsavers Scottish Music Awards returns to The Barrowland Ballroom for 2024
With Scottish legends Lulu and Travis, Dundee's own Kyle Falconer and rising Scots star Calum Bowie among the first winners to be announced.
Article Source: Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Last Updated: 25 September 2024 13:45
The legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow will once again be the stage for the highly anticipated Specsavers Scottish Music Awards on Saturday November 2nd, 2024. This year's ceremony promises to be a star-studded celebration of Scottish music, generating essential support for music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.
In its fourth year at the Barrowland Ballroom, the awards ceremony will support Nordoff and Robbins to deliver transformational music therapy sessions, and help people break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation in Scotland.
In 26 years, over £1 million has been generously donated through the event which directly contributes to the training of music therapists in Scotland and research into the impact of music therapy on wellbeing.
Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff and Robbins, said: “We can’t wait for the 26th annual Scottish Music Awards in aid of Nordoff and Robbins. This event is vital in helping us to raise funds and achieve our mission of using the power of music to create space for vulnerable people to express themselves and find connection in society. Scotland's music scene is vibrant and inspiring, and we're grateful for the incredible talent and generosity of our artists and industry professionals. Together, we're continuing to make a positive impact on many lives.”
Jennifer Stephenson, Specsavers’ Scottish divisional chair, said: “Specsavers is proud to be the headline sponsor of the Scottish Music Awards for a sixth consecutive year.
“We can’t wait to see Scotland’s music industry come together for another show-stopping celebration that will raise funds for Nordoff and Robbins.
“Music therapy supports positive change and allows those in need to build confidence and improve social wellbeing. Helping people reach their full potential through their senses closely reflects the work we do at Specsavers through our optical and audiology work.
“We look forward to the event returning to Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom for what is sure to be another spectacular evening of music and fundraising.”
In alphabetical order, the first announced winners for this year’s Specsavers Scottish Music Awards include:
Berkeley 2 Studios – Guitar Guitar Music Industry Award
Calum Bowie – Beavertown’s Breakthrough Award
Kyle Falconer – King Tuts’ Song Writing Award
LuLu – Scottish Icon Award sponsored by Rox
Travis – Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation
Specsavers Scottish Music Awards has a long history of honouring some of the biggest and best names in Scottish music – a theme set to continue this year with one of Scotland's most famous pop-exports, Lulu, taking home the Scottish Icon Award sponsored by Rox.
Having earned critical acclaim around the world, and with music that continues to inspire and influence artists today, Lulu said: “To be recognized as a Scottish icon is truly humbling. I've been incredibly fortunate to have had a 60-year career that has taken me all over the world, but Scotland has always been my home. It's an honour to be celebrated in this way, especially for a charity that does such incredible work.”
Hailing from Banchory, Calum Bowie, shot to fame after posting a series of TikTok's singing out of his Edinburgh window and is now the recipient of the Beavertown Breakthrough Award. In just over a year, the 23-year-old has gone from playing empty venues to performing at Scotland’s biggest music festival, TRNSMT. Ahead of his appearance at the ceremony, he says: “I’m genuinely shocked to be winning the Breakthrough Award, it’s a massive honour when you know who’s won it before and gone on to great things. So many of the previous winners inspired me to make music in the first place, like Emeli Sande, who was the first singer from my part of the world I saw go on to have global success. Amy Macdonald’s sound and pride in being Scottish were totally inspiring, I absolutely loved Nina Nesbitt from her first album onwards, Paolo was always in the air when I was growing up and Lewis Capaldi proved that you can do this job absolutely in your own way. To even be mentioned in the same sentence as them blows my mind and I hope I can live up to the legacy the Breakthrough Award has created. To be part of the show at the Barrowlands, which is the ultimate venue for every Scottish musician, is a dream come true and I can’t wait to help raise a ton of money to support the incredible work of Nordoff and Robbins.”
Having released their 10th studio album - and delighted audiences with their secret festival set at TRNSMT - Glasgow icons Travis are being presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation. As the band continues to move from strength to strength, Travis frontman Fran said:
“Nordoff and Robbins is close to the hearts of all in the musical community. As musicians, we all know the healing power of music. We see it at each show we play. Songs and melody are bookmarks in all of our lives. Nordoff and Robbins work with music therapy has changed the lives of so many people. We are humbled to be chosen by them as the recipients of this year’s Outstanding Achievement award. Please go to www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk to learn about the amazing work they do and see if you can lend a hand.”
A special award, the Guitar Guitar Music Industry Award will be awarded to Berkeley 2 Studios, or more importantly, the man who founded the UK’s largest iconic rehearsal studio, Steve Cheyne. A real Scottish Music Industry legend, Steve dedicated his life into making Berkeley the renowned rehearsal space it is today. From Beyonce to Iggy Pop to Glasgow’s own Lewis Capaldi, anyone who is anyone in the Music Scene has had the pleasure of working with Steve and so it is hugely appropriate that he is honoured amongst many of those who knew him.
Aiden Gallagher who is continuing Steve’s legacy in running Berkeley 2 Studios said: “Steve made a rehearsal studio into a community, he made it his business to care for people, to have that recognised will do his memory a great honour - as long as the door to Berkeley is open, Steve will still be with us.”
Dundee Rocker and The View frontman, Kyle Falconer, will have his songwriting talents recognised with a King Tut’s Songwriting Award. Kyle's raw and often personal lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide both in The View and as a solo artist. He’s now sharing his talents by penning songs for his peers, as well as running songwriting camps from his own retreat, La Sierra Casa.
Off the back of his win, Kyle said: “To be given this songwriting award means a lot to me. Being recognised for songwriting gives me a very proud moment in front of my family and the people who have been with me through all the highs and lows. There have been many highs and many lows, but music has given me so many opportunities that I never would have had if I didn’t pick up a guitar and start writing my first song back in the day.
Nordoff and Robbins work helping people via musical therapy is hugely on par with my own realisation around the powers of music. Giving people the tools to express themselves can lead to so much self-discovery. I know that from running my own music camp in Spain.”
Award-winning Fife broadcaster Edith Bowman returns as host, welcoming some of the biggest names in Scottish music alongside rising talent, all in the name of raising funds for the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity.
Edith Bowman said: “It is a genuine honour to be asked back host the Scottish Music Awards all in aid of the wonderful Nordoff and Robbins. Music can mean so much to people, for very different reasons, but never underestimate its power. That can be seen so clearly in the work that Nordoff and Robbins do, and through the work their music therapist do, they provide so many people with a chance to communicate, to smile, to live a better life.”
Donald C MacLeod MBE, Scottish Fundraising Chairman for Nordoff and Robbins added: “For 26 years, the Scottish Music Awards have been a beacon of celebration for our nation's music industry. This prestigious event continues to honour the exceptional talent and dedication of our musicians, songwriters, and artists who enrich our rich heritage.
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming awards ceremony, let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible power of music to break down barriers and create a space for expression and connection. Organisations like Nordoff and Robbins are at the forefront of harnessing this power, providing vital therapy sessions to individuals of all ages.
We’ve been able to offer over 37,000 therapy sessions across Scotland in the past year alone. As the need for these life-changing services grows, we look forward to raising even more money to help continue to fund this amazing organisation.”
Funds raised on the night via online donations, live auctions and ticket sales are a vital part of the charity’s ability to provide music therapists and sessions to those who need it most. With more acts to be announced over the coming weeks, tickets are available to purchase via Simon Foy at simon.foy@nordoff-robbins.org.uk.
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORE
Paisley crowned as Town Of The Year
Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's 'resurgence' amid unprecedented investment in its future.
READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Braehead just got cooler as Snowflake Gelato debuts in Scotland
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, is delighted to announce the arrival of Snowflake Gelato.
READ MORE
Community curated film festival brings world class cinema to Greenock this Galoshans Festival
Free and low-cost screenings showcase Horror, Heritage, and Homegrown Talent selected by local curators and young people.
READ MORE
Aldi to open a pop up pumpkin patch in Renfrew this Halloween for one day only
Families are in for a spook-tacular surprise this Halloween, as Aldi is transforming part of its Renfrew store into a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Halloween takes over town this weekend
Paisley Halloween Festival will return this weekend with a packed programme to fright and delight visitors!
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Horror Con Scotland takes over Paisley Town Hall this Halloween Weekend
Scotland's scariest convention is heading to Renfrewshire for a two-day Halloween spectacular!
READ MORE
Help Provost Cameron light up Renfrewshire this Christmas
Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2025.
READ MORE
Grab some Buddie Good Deals here in Paisley town centre this October!
Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire remembers mine workers with new memorial cairn
A memorial cairn and plaque has been unveiled in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park to remember the men who lost their lives working in the Muirshiel Barytes Mine between 1942 and 1969.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire set for spectacular season of festive events
Renfrewshire is gearing up for another bumper season of fantastic festive events with an array of free, fun-filled activities for all!
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links