AMY MACDONALD, NINA NESBITT, THE SNUTS, WET WET WET AND MORE TAKE HOME SPECSAVERS SCOTTISH MUSIC AWARDS AT STAR-STUDDED EVENT IN BARROWLANDS

After almost two years without a live event, the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards returned with a bang for a night of resounding celebration and support for Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity, with acts including Wet Wet Wet, Amy Macdonald, Nina Nesbitt, Biffy Clyro, The Snuts, KT Tunstall and more all taking home awards. Glasgows legendary Barrowland Ballroom was filled with the most outstanding talent Scotland has to offer, with incredible performances from breakthrough artists Brooke Combe and Bow Anderson, a huge crowd singalong to The Fratellis renditions of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie and Chelsea Dagger, and postman turned singer Nathan Evans performing his viral hit Wellerman - Sea Shanty. Amy Macdonald opened proceedings with classic hit This Is The Life while none other than Wet Wet Wet closed the show in outstanding fashion, treating the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards crowd to non-stop fan favourites including Goodnight Girl and Love Is All Around.

Amy Macdonald said, "Thank you! Its always nice to get awards but what is even nicer right now is being back in a big room full of people. I never thought this day would come. This is the most important evening like this that we have ever had for the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards and I hope you guys can raise as much money as possible. Im so happy to be part of it. Thank you for having me and thanks for giving me such a beautiful award."

Geoff Ellis said, "Thank you to the fans that came and made it one of the best festivals weve ever known."

Graeme Clark, Wet Wet Wet said, "Music is a powerful thing. Its given us an amazing life and to see what it does to the kids at Nordoff Robbins - its an important thing and very valuable."

KT Tunstall said, "Thank you so much for this award, its a lovely thing to receive. Im sorry Im not there but Im on tour with the GOD that is Rick Astley...Im telling you that is the best reason youre going to have all night for someone not being there. But thank you so much, its a great award and it kicks my a**e to keep doing what I can for the environment. Thank you so much to OVO Energy, to Nordoff Robbins for everything you do and of course to the Scottish Music Awards. I would also like to give a really heartfelt message to mother nature, to our beautiful Scotland, to our amazing landscape - weve got to look after that environment."

KT then welcomed a surprise guest... the one and only Rick Astley who joined her in a singalong to Never Gonna Give You Up and then swiftly told KT – "Youve got a gig to do!"

Nathan Evans said, "This is absolutely mental - 11 months ago I was a postman! Thank you to everyone thats supported this far... Im just baffled."

Nina Nesbitt said, "I grew up inspired by Scottish women in music like Annie Lennox, Amy Macdonald, Emeli Sandé, the list could go on. Its great to be recognised and shout out to Nordoff Robbins for all the amazing work they do. This is our first gig in two years, so have a good night!"

Sam Fender said, "How are you doing?! Its Sammy Fender here- just wanted to say thank you very much for awarding me the Best UK Artist sponsored by SWG3 at the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards in aid of Nordoff Robbins...that was a mouthful but I got it in the end! Thank you very much for giving us the award, I love yous, cannot wait to come back up soon!"
The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have been the main fundraising event for Nordoff Robbins in Scotland for over 20 years, and the funds raised on the night via donations, auctions and games are vital in helping the charity to provide music therapy across the UK. Whether its training the music therapists of the future, delivering music therapy sessions to those who need it most or undertaking groundbreaking research into the impact of music therapy, Nordoff Robbins believes in the value of music for all people in our society. The audience in the venue, and at home, learned just how vitally important Nordoff Robbins is for people like 4 year old Josh who was born with a complex heart condition. Josh is supported by CHAS (Childrens Hospices Across Scotland) and receives weekly music therapy sessions via Zoom, as part of the partnership between CHAS and Nordoff Robbins. The weekly sessions with his music therapist have brought Josh to life, growing his confidence and allowing him to express his creativity.

Talking about Nordoff Robbins music therapy sessions, Joshs mum Claire said, "Joshs smile during his music sessions is infectious, you cannot help but join in. The sessions allow our family protected Josh-time to just enjoy watching him interact, develop and most importantly enjoy the music."

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Striving to make the event more inclusive, the event also included British Sign Language Performance. Signing speeches from winning artists as well as every single musical performance, the BSL performance interpretations were a truly welcome addition in the awards 23rd year.

Hosted by the one and only Edith Bowman in the world-renowned Barrowland Ballroom, the atmosphere was electric as Scotlands music industry reunited once more following an extremely difficult few years for live events industry. Tonights event really was one for the history books, as Edith Bowman said, "Ive been supporting Nordoff Robbins for quite a number of years now and thats because Ive seen the benefits, and how amazing they work they do is, and how it can really impact people, children and adults of all ages. Theres this amazing connection that music has that ...can really give people a lifeline. Thats why its really important that tonight raises as much money as possible."

Donald C MacLeod MBE, Chairman of the NR Events and Fundraising Committee Scotland said, "What an unforgettable night! Its been a long road to get here and Id like to thank everyone who helped make this event happen - from all of our team at Nordoff Robbins working tirelessly behind the scenes, the Barrowland Ballroom staff and crew, our headline sponsors Specsavers, our wonderful talent who performed tonight and of course, everyone who donated and watched at home or in the room - we appreciate your support more than you know.

"After an extremely hard 20 months or so for the music industry, it felt so special to have all of our old friends and supporters back together under one iconic roof at one of the best venues in the world - the Barrowlands. Were delighted that tonights Specsavers Scottish Music Awards was one of the first big reunions for the countrys music industry and a chance to once again celebrate the never ending talent Scotland produces. From shining the spotlight on bright young stars like Brooke Combe and Bow Anderson, to honouring some of the countrys most loved acts like Wet Wet Wet, Amy Macdonald and The Fratellis, tonights ceremony showcased exactly why were all so passionate about Scotlands music scene.

"Like many other charities during lockdown, Nordoff Robbins income has been decimated with this years projected forecast only 40% of our pre-Covid income. Thats why tonights event was so important - with more people than ever isolated or requiring support, our team have worked to support more than 1197 individuals in Scotland in 2021. Every small donation helps us to provide essential music therapy to people like Josh, who we heard from tonight.

"Thank you once again to everyone who has supported us tonight - youve been part of an outstanding event and were very grateful. Congratulations to all this years incredible winners and well see you next year!"

Susanne Akil, Specsavers Scottish chair said: "We were proud to once again sponsor the Scottish Music Awards and would like to congratulate all of the winners, as well as Nordoff Robbins for a fantastic event.

"We hope the awards has helped to raise the profile of the amazing work the charity does and generate much needed funds."
Following a star-studded red carpet, it was time to enjoy some of the talent on display. A longtime supporter of Nordoff Robbins, Amy Macdonald kicked off the show, bringing her magical stage presence and global hits to the Barrowlands Stage, and getting the celebrations off to a strong start Amy sang crowd favourites This is the Life and 2021 single Statues. Rising star Bow Anderson then took home Best Pop Act sponsored by Pizza Express and its no doubt that the Edinburgh singer is set for stardom with the likes of iconic artists Elton John and Cyndi Lauper already claiming to be huge fans.

Gordon Duncan picked up the Music Industry Award sponsored by Go Radio followed by Nina Nesbitt who bagged yet another win for the girls. Winning the ROX Jewellery Women in Music Award, Nina has grown from strength to strength since winning the Evolution Award in 2017 and performed some of her biggest tunes including The Best You Had and Lifes A B***h.

After a huge return for live events this year, it was no surprise that cinch presents TRNSMT Festival collected ​​the Best Event Award sponsored by Royal Highland Centre, whilst making his debut at the Glasgow festival earlier this year, rising star Nathan Evans was awarded Best Male Breakthrough Award sponsored by Dirt Comms & KHOLE. The postman-turned-singer had the crowd chanting his viral rendition of Wellerman – Sea Shanty inside The Barrowland Ballroom.

Specsavers Scottish Music Awards also honoured hometown heroes with Biffy Clyro picking up Ticketmasters Best Live Award. Following their festival stint this year and unmissable live show at Glasgow Green this summer its a well deserved win for one of Scotlands biggest bands. One of the countrys most talked-about rising stars, Brooke Combe picked up Best Female Breakthrough Award sponsored by Tennents Light. The 21 year old singer- songwriter is one to watch, having already worked with Miles Kane and selling out King Tuts Wah Wah Huts first show back post-lockdown.
After a huge year of selling out venues across the country on their headline tour, The Snuts bagged guitarguitars Best Album Award. Releasing their debut album W.L. earlier this year, the West Lothian boys are sure to be following in the footsteps of fellow Specsavers Scottish Music Awards winner and friend, Lewis Capaldi.

A night dedicated to celebrating the past, present and future of Scottish music, the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards honoured one of the countrys best indie bands, The Bluebells as they were awarded the Legend Award sponsored by Sir Reo Stakis Foundation. Following in their footsteps, The Fratellis won the King Tuts Wah Wah Hut Songwriting Award before taking to the stage for a raucous performance of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie and Chelsea Dagger, which truly got the Barrowlands crowd dancing.

The introduction of the new Eco Award sponsored by OVO Energy went to KT Tunstall, one of Scotlands most successful exports who sent a very special video message with a guest appearance from none other than Rick Astley. Next up, Glasgows favourite Geordie, Sam Fender picked up the SWG3 Best UK Act Award. After headlining the Main Stage at cinch presents TRNSMT earlier this year and selling out two consecutive nights at the Barrowlands last month, Sam sent a personalised message thanking the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards for his accolade.

The final performance of the night came from the one and only Wet Wet Wet. Having taken part in 2020s virtual stream, the band returned to support Nordoff Robbins once again, and had the entire venue on their feet for a reunion like no other. Collecting the Icon Award sponsored by Raymond Weil, Wet Wet Wet treated fans to a spectacular performance, singing classic anthems like Goodnight Girl and Love Is All Around, making it a night to remember at the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards. The band have a long history of supporting Nordoff Robbins music therapy work, having won their very first Silver Clef award in London back in 1988 when they were new on the scene. Theyve gone on to support the charity via fundraising shows, albums and videos and have even visited Nordoff Robbins centres across the country. Graeme said,"Music is a powerful thing. Its given us an amazing life and to see what it does to the kids at Nordoff Robbins - its an important thing and very valuable."

It was an emotional night as some of Scotlands best-loved musicians returned to the live scene, in one of the countrys most special venues, but sadly it was all over for another year. For further information on Nordoff Robbins visit www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk

A full photo gallery of the red carpet can be viewed via the link below, all photographs by Stewart Fullerton Photography.

http://glasgowmusic.co.uk/viewAlbum.php?albumId=72157720191167215

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