Bursary for innovation in music shortlist revealed

Scottish folk and traditional artists innovating and distinguishing themselves in their field are on the shortlist for the Belhaven Bursary for Innovation Award 2019.

The prestigious fund is the largest cash prize in Scotland. Financially matched only by the Mercury Prize, the £25,000 rewards innovation and will support the winning act to progress unique ideas and empower creation through this career-changing sum of money.

On top of this, the award is also accompanied by the brewing of a collaboration ale with the winner’s name alongside an appearance at the legendary Belhaven Brewery Post Parade Party in New York during Tartan Week in April 2019.

The winning artist will also be propelled into the spotlight through a televised advertising campaign featuring their music.
Neo-trad quintet Elephant Sessions were selected for the inaugural award last year, who have since used the cash injection to amplify their talent and showcase their sounds internationally.

Elephant Session Ale

The Belhaven fund is supported by Showcase Scotland Expo, an organisation backing the international development of Scottish-based artists and the bursary is awarded to bands or artists chosen through a panel of industry experts.

The Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Music shortlist is as follows:

Breabach; Daimh; Fara; Inyal; Nae Plans; Niteworks; Rachel Newton; Siobhan Miller; Talisk; and Tide Lines.

The winner of the award will be announced at MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards at Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 1 December which will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA, BBC Radio Scotland and globally through the BBC ALBA website. The evening provides invigorating performances from artists flying the flag for Scotland’s bustling industry.

To bring the audience to their feet, the line-up features live-sets from Croft No Five, Mànran, Karine Polwart Trio, Hannah Rarity, Eabhal, Catriona Watt, Gordon Duncan Experience and Gerda Stevenson.