The La Fontaines who won 2014’s Creative Scotland ‘Big Apple Award’ perform at the awards : photo by Mark Anderson

The 16th Annual Scottish Music Awards took place last night (29 Nov) at Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket, with the primary function of raising funds for charity Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland. The night brought together some of Scotland’s most celebrated acts and artists and honoured them with numerous awards, named the Tartan Clefs. The real purpose of the ceremony is to generate as much money towards the charity that help enrich the lives of over 400 children and adults all over Scotland suffering from trauma, illness or disability. Opening the evenings proceedings saw voice-actor and now veteran of the awards, Lewis MacLeod introduce last years X-Factor finalist, Nicholas McDonald who sang a chilling rendition of Adele’s monster hit ‘Someone Like You’.

Jimmy Somerville : photo by Andy Buchanan

The first award of the evening went to the legendary Jimmy Somerville; whose career now spans 30 years, when his unique falsetto voice featured on ‘Smalltown Boy’, the Bronski Beat hit that still resonates today. Jimmy was deservedly presented his ‘Special Recognition Award‘ by Councillor Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau on behalf of sponsor PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW and then went on to perform an a cappella version of his smash hit which had the audience roaring on their feet with applause.

Fatherson : photo by Andy Buchanan

Next up saw ‘Rising Stars’ Fatherson presented with the XFM & Hard Rock Café Award by DJ Jim Gellatly, who also introduced the hotly tipped indie rockers to the stage to perform. Following their performance, the very special Sir Reo Stakis Living Legend Award was presented to American Dr. Steve Foreman; a worldwide respected session musician and tutor who has played with David Bowie and Pink Floyd but recently hit the headlines when his salary did not meet VISA requirements.

Prides : photo by Andy Buchanan

Also winning big on the night was Julie Fowlis, who received the Creative Scotland Best Traditional Music Award, Prince who won the public voted SSE Hydro Act of the Year Award, Still Game who won the Ticketmaster Hottest Ticket Award and Prides who picked up the Jack Daniels Best Breakthrough Artist Award. The audience were also treated to a special performance from Scottish Hip-Hop Pop fusion act The La Fontaines who won 2014’s Creative Scotland Big Apple Award, which saw them travel to New York earlier this year with Nordoff Robbins Scotland to perform as part of the Caledonia Collective at Scotland Week 2014. Another special moment on the night was the return of cult indie band Idlewild, who have been honoured with the King Tuts Songwriting Award and also spoiled the audience with an exclusive performance featuring their new line up. Big surprise of the night was the Sunday Mail Music Business Award that went to accomplished music promoter Mark Mackie, whose 25 years in the industry has seen him promote artists such as Oasis, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. Closing the ceremony was chart-dominating girl band Neon Jungle, who have had 4 singles in the top 20 from their Top 10 album Welcome To the Jungle. 17 year old band member Shereen Cutkelvin originates from Scotland but now spends her time travelling the world supporting Jessie J and playing at the famous Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York. The awards ceremony also featured a glittering auction with one-of-a-kind items up for grabs such as a unique Ryder Cup 2014 poster containing 26 signatures, including that of both Captains, a coffee table which was made from a winners podium used at this years Commonwealth Games designed by celebrated designer Paul Hodgkiss and a guitar signed by Ed Sheeran. Combined donations and bids at the auction raised more than £130,000. Co- Chair of Nordoff Robbins Scotland, Donald MacLeod commented on the events of the evening saying; “We continue to be both amazed and overwhelmed by the generosity of the Scottish Music scene and public, tonight has been no exception. The Scottish Music Awards are the main source of funding for the charity, and it is hugely important to us that we continue to be able to support those that need us across the country, this year our appeal is even more important as we aim to launch a new service in Aberdeen. Donald continued, “Our thanks go to all those who continue to support the charity, and in particular the musicians who make us so proud of our unique and thriving music scene. The talent on display tonight were all thoroughly deserving and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate their success with their industry peers.” The Scottish Music Awards has rounded off Glasgow’s year long celebration of sport and culture in the city and hopes that the money raised from the night will have a lasting impact on the charity. Full award winners list: Creative Scotland Best Traditional Scottish Music Award – Julie Fowlis Hard Rock Cafe & XFM Rising Star Award – Fatherson Jack Daniels – Prides King Tuts Songwriting Award – Idlewild Nordoff Robbins Scotland & Creative Scotland Big Apple Award – The La Fontaines PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW – Jimmy Sommerville Sir Reo Stakis – Dr Steve Forman SSE Hydro Best Act of the Year – Prince Sunday Mail Music Business Award – Mark Mackie Ticketmaster Hottest Ticket Award – Still Game • For more information on Scotland’s only music therapy charity please visit: http://www.nordoffrobbinsscotland.org.uk or to make a donation please visit http://www.justgiving.com/nrmt or call 01506 239578. • Keep up to date at https://www.facebook.com/nordoffrobbinsscotland and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NRScot • #tartanclef2014 #scotmusicawards • Text MMCL14 to 70070 to donate anything up to £10

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