Specsavers Scottish Music Awards light up the city

Nordoff Robbins fagship event, Specsavers Scottish Music Awards, raises over £180,000 for music therapy charity.

Article Source: Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Last Updated: 19 November 2021 13:22

Nordoff Robbins are delighted to reveal the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards raised over £180,000 on Saturday evening as one of the biggest industry events of the year made a welcomed return to Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom following last year’s virtual award show. The flagship event saw some of Scotland’s greatest talents take to the stage to perform, including Wet Wet Wet, Amy Macdonald, Nina Nesbitt, The Fratellis, Nathan Evans, The Bluebells and more.

Forced to move online in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 event marked an extra special night as the country’s music scene united once more to celebrate. Nordoff Robbins’ fundraising was decimated for 2020, resulting in their forecast for 2021 only reaching 40% of their pre-covid income, however despite this huge reduction in income, their services are needed now more than ever. In addition to the incredible amount raised from the Spescsavers Scottish Music Awards this weekend, headline sponsors Specsavers are donating a further £15,000 to Nordoff Robbins this year, to help four key projects in Scotland, including Blythswood House, Calaiswood After School Club, Sight Scotland and St Andrew’s Hospice. These invaluable donations help Nordoff Robbins meet the need as and where they can - whether online or face-to-face.

Sandra Schembri, CEO Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy charity said, “We are so grateful for the continuing support shown through the Scottish music industry and to everyone who makes the Specsavers Scottish Music awards happen each year.

“The past 18 months have been tough for everyone, but even more so for our clients. The incredible amount raised this evening will allow us to continue to support some of the most vulnerable and isolated members in our communities through our music therapy.

“At Nordoff Robbins we see music as a superpower to heal and connect, and it is through events like these that make it possible for us to continue our valuable work across Scotland.

“On behalf of Nordoff Robbins, I would like to share our thanks to Donald McLeod MBE for everything, Edith Bowman for hosting the evening and being the amazing ambassador for our work she is and to our incredible sponsors and artists whose valued support made this night possible.”

Susanne Akil, Specsavers’ Scottish chair said, “While the Scottish Music Awards is a fantastic celebration of Scottish music, it’s important to remember that it also supports a charity that offers a vital service to so many.

“Our stores across Scotland, plus our audiology and Home Visits services, joined together to donate £15,000 collectively and we’re delighted that this will cover the costs of more than 600 music therapy sessions for four projects Nordoff Robbins supports across Scotland.”

A night of glitz and glam, the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards was hosted by Edith Bowman in one of the city's most iconic music venues, The Barrowland Ballroom, for the first time ever. The venue has played host to some of the greatests artists in the world and was filled with the most outstanding talent Scotland has to offer on Saturday night, 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 hometown heroes 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'.

Highlights from the event included performances from the likes of Nina Nesbitt, who picked up ROX - Diamonds & Thrills Women in Music Award. The Edinburgh singer treated the crowd to some of her iconic tunes like ‘The Best You Had’ and latest single, ‘Life’s A B***h’. Specsavers Scottish Music Awards also shone a light on some of the most exciting rising stars in Scotland, including Bow Anderson who won Best Pop Act sponsored by Pizza Express alongside Brooke Combe who had the whole venue on their feet during her performance. The 21 year-old singer bagged Best Female Breakthrough Award sponsored by Tennent’s Light.

Taking home Best Male Breakthrough Award sponsored by Dirt Comms & KHOLE, Nathan Evans performed his viral rendition of ‘Wellerman – Sea Shanty’ and had the Barrowlands singing their hearts out. The postman-turned-singer said, “This is absolutely mental - 11 months ago I was a postman! Thank you to everyone that’s supported me this far… I’m just baffled.”

It was a big night for the bands as the likes of Biffy Clyro picked up Ticketmaster’s Best Live Award alongside The Snuts who took home guitarguitar’s Best Album Award. The Bluebells made a long awaited return to the Barrowlands, renowned for being one of the country’s best indie bands, The Bluebells were awarded the Legend Award sponsored by Sir Reo Stakis Foundation. With the crowd fully warmed up, The Fratellis took to the stage playing two massive tunes 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie' and 'Chelsea Dagger' after winning King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Songwriting Award.

Closing out the show after an incredible evening of non-stop music, it was finally time for Wet Wet Wet to take to the stage. 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 brand new on the scene. They’ve gone on to support the charity via fundraising shows, albums and videos and have even visited Nordoff Robbins centres across the country. Honoured with the Icon Award sponsored by Raymond Weil, Wet Wet Wet closed the evening of celebration with classic anthems like 'Goodnight Girl' and 'Love Is All Around', making it an unmissable night at the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards.

After almost two years without a live event, Specsavers Scottish Music Awards was a resounding success at The Barrowland Ballroom as it raised an incredible amount of vital funds for Nordoff Robbins. For more information on the music therapy charity, visit www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes

Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations

Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!

Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.

Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup

Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.

Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio

Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.

New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden

Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail

Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!

KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End

The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026

The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!

Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow

The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future

Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026

Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.

Sir Billy Connolly award applications open for Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2026

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has opened applications for its prestigious Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award with acts, venues and staff in 2026's festival encouraged to apply now.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

SEC Glasgow at 40: Four decades of creating incredible

For four decades the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has stood at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life, attracting world-class shows, artists, major events and conferences to Glasgow.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Glasgow Taxis Cup returns for its 21st year in 2026

Now in its twenty-first year, Glasgow Taxis Cup, will see more than 700 student athletes from Glasgow Caledonian, Strathclyde, and Glasgow universities competing across 17+ sports in 21+ events!

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Christmas Songbook to take festive cheer to Glasgow

Scotland's iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Glasgow this December!

Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor

Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

Specsavers Scottish Music Awards light up the city

Nordoff Robbins fagship event, Specsavers Scottish Music Awards, raises over £180,000 for music therapy charity.

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings