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

Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost

As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.

Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza

If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!

The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover

Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK

Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.

Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas

Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal

National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery

The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.

Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub

Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.

Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort

Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.

Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025

Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.

First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn

East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life

Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups

Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show

Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!

Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy

Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Beatson Cancer Charity Ambassadog Baxter leads the way at Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that our Ambassadog, Baxter, will be taking part in this year's Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

From The Gannet to Eleven Fifty Five: Peter McKenna announces new Argyle Street restaurant

Peter McKenna, chef-owner of The Gannet in Glasgow, along with Kevin Dow, are set to open a new restaurant, Eleven Fifty Five, in its place in Finnieston early next year.

Glasgow Fort to welcome new Mexican restaurant this week

Mezcal, the lively Mexican street-food restaurant, is set to open its doors at Glasgow Fort on Wednesday 26th November, bringing even more choice for visitors ahead of the festive period.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time returns to Glasgow in March 2027

A brand-new staging of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time based on the internationally celebrated novel comes to Glasgow's Theatre Royal in March 2027!

MINISO is coming to Buchanan Street... get ready to explore!

Global lifestyle sensation MINISO is set to bring its signature blend of joy, creativity, and affordable design to Buchanan Street, with a brand-new store opening on 26th November!

Black Friday Savings at Buchanan Galleries

Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is abuzz with Black Friday deals, offering shoppers incredible discounts across a wide range of products – from fashion and footwear to jewellery, beauty, and homeware.