Isles talent in running for Scots Trad Music Awards

A host of isles musicians are flying the Shetland flag as they have been shortlisted in a competition that celebrates Scottish traditional music.

The Peter Wood Shetland Dance Band are in the running for the Dance Band of the Year award at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.

Top isles fiddlers Gemma Donald and Jenna and Bethany Reid also feature in the shortlist.

Donald is a member of The Lomond Celidh Band, who are in the Dance Band of the Year category.

Meanwhile the Reid sisters from Quarff are in the Folk Band of the Year section with four-piece Rant. Jenna is also a member of Blazin’ Fiddles which is in the running for the Live Act of the Year award.

Quarff is further represented with resident Kris Drever being nominated in the Composer of the Year category.

Over the past three years Wood’s band have entertained at concerts, dances and weddings throughout Shetland and on the Scottish Mainland.

Accordionist Wood is joined by Graham Jamieson on drums, Maggie Adamson on fiddle, Brian Nicholson on guitar and Arthur Nicholson on bass.

The band released their first CD Out of the Shadows last year, including Shetland, Irish, Scandinavian and original tunes.

Earlier this year the record won CD of the Year promoted by The National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs.

Wood said he was very honored and proud to accept the award on behalf of the band.

‘Outstanding’

And there is another album in the pipeline – Into the Light is to be released in December.

“It absolutely outstanding to be shortlisted because we’ve only really had the band going for the last two or three years,” Wood said.

He added it was great to have the recognition, particularly as a group hailing from Shetland.

“It’s incredibly important that we’re keeping this music alive.

“The fact I’m teaching in schools means I’m keeping the music going that way.

“It’s a lovely feeling seeing it [Shetland music] getting recognised.”

Voting has opened, with a closing date of 18th November. The awards ceremony will be held on 3rd December.