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 Stirling News
Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers comes to cinemas nationwide on 6th November
Exhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.
READ MORE
Get ready for a great big Living History Week
Historical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!
READ MORE
SAY Award announce Shortlist and Modern Scottish Classic winner
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
READ MORE
Baby Loss Awareness Week unites bereaved families across the UK
People affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week.
READ MORE
Twice the festive fun: Starry Nights Illuminated Christmas Experience makes highly anticipated return
Event that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.
READ MORE
Vango teams up with VisitScotland to encourage responsible tourism
Leading Scottish camping and outdoor specialist brand, Vango, has announced it is working with VisitScotland to promote responsible tourism across the country.
READ MORE
Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined veteran rugby teams for Vets Fest
Ex Scotland rugby internationals Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined 800 Men and Women for Vets Fest 2024 to Celebrate Vets Rugby and Raise Funds for Wooden Spoon.
READ MORE
Community groups, local authorities, charities and schools urged to apply for funding to add trees in urban areas
Future Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens public vote
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today invites music fans to ‘Have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Scottish album, plus announces Karen Dunbar and more as judges.
READ MORE
Feel the Force with Cineworld 4DX Rewind
For a limited time, Cineworld presents a seismic lineup of blockbuster favourites, new and old, in immersive 4DX – all for just £5 a ticket or £3 for Unlimited members.
READ MORE
Captain Fantastic supports Dyslexia Scotland Awareness Week
Captain Fantastic, the UK's leading children's party company, is supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland with two fun interactive online parties.
READ MORE
Stirling Science Festival is back and out of this world
Families can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime during the October week holiday – by making a trip from Stirling to the very edge of the Solar System.
READ MORE
Fall into Autumn Celebrations at Apple events across Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is celebrating autumn harvest by inviting people to its annual Apple events across the country.
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort announces a Unique Festive Experience
Make waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.
READ MORE
Pioneering Scottish Filmmakers Coming Home for UK Premiere
The groundbreaking dance documentary Unbound will have its UK premiere at the Central Scotland Doc Fest this autumn at Macrobert Arts Centre.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Starbucks set to open at Thistles Stirling
Starbucks arrives in Stirling just in time for Pumpkin Spiced Latte season and first coffees will be served from Saturday 28 September.
READ MORE
Frightful fun in store at Dobbies this Halloween
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming kids across the country to its Little Scare-lings Howl-o-ween party this October for a frightfully fun time!
READ MORE
All go for World Gaelic Week 2025
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled dates for its fourth edition under the theme Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch, which signifies Building Connections in English.
READ MORE
Approval for refurbishment for Forthside and Stirling Studios project
A significant milestone in the redevelopment of Forthside and the Stirling Studios project has been reached following the approval of a £6m procurement contract for building refurbishment.
READ MORE
Macrobert Arts Centre receives grant to increase venue accessibility
Macrobert Arts Centre is thrilled to announce the funding award from Theatres Trust Small Grants Programme supported by The Linbury Trust.
READ MORE
The World Favourite Whisky Glass sponsors Scottish International Crime Writing Awards
Chris Brookmyre, the winner of this year’s McIlvanney Prize, was presented with a giant Glencairn Glass trophy at this year’s Bloody Scotland Festival.
READ MORE
Garden Centre rolls out series of free events this October
Dobbies Garden Centres is embracing the autumn season with a series of free-to-attend events throughout October, including Grow How, Little Seedlings Club and Little Seedlings Holiday Club.
READ MORE
Scottish groups receive funding from Asda Foundation to transform community spaces
Asda's charity, The Asda Foundation, has awarded £150,000 to eight community groups across Scotland through its Investing in Spaces and Places grants.
READ MORE
STUDIOCANAL announces Paddington is set to visit Scotland
Statues of everyone's favourite bear will be taking a seat in locations across the UK and Ireland in early October!
READ MORE
Is the IRN BRU Carnival in your future
Tickets for this year's IRN-BRU Carnival launch with the chance to win on Glasgow's streets!
READ MORE
Stirling Photography Festival 2024 honours the 900th year
Stirling’s annual Photography Festival is underway this month with its theme of ‘Roots and Rituals’ marking a celebration of the city’s people and place during its 900th year.
READ MORE
Asda invites customers across Scotland to donate pre loved books for kids
Asda invites customers across Scotland to donate pre-loved children's books for onward gifting to families who have fewer books of their own.
READ MORE
Final Countdown: One month left to enter photography competition
Time is running out to enter Caledonian Sleeper's photography competition aimed at encouraging everyone to capture views of the most scenic locations on route between Scotland and London.
READ MORE
Glory for Scots speakers at national awards
The winners of the Scots Language Awards 2024 were crowned on Saturday at a celebratory ceremony in Ayrshire.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links