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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
The Maclean Brothers row onto Celtic Connections bill as new wave of shows announced
The Maclean Brothers are among a wave of exciting new names to join the world-renowned Celtic Connections bill, it has been announced.
READ MORE
BBC CBeebies starts the panto season at Glasgow cinemas
The CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Glasgow from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre is taking part in the largest Black Friday Theatre Sale in the UK
As part of Trafalgar Entertainment, customers can now access some of the best theatre ticket deals for shows at the Pavilion Theatre as well as unmissable productions in the West End.
READ MORE
BBC ALBA Hogmanay Ceilidh to broadcast live from Glasgow
BBC ALBA will bring together some of Gaelic music's biggest names as Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire returns to Glasgow to celebrate Hogmanay and usher in 2026.
READ MORE
Cast Announced for Flora, a new musical coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow
The full cast has been revealed for Flora which sees one of Scotland's most famous daughters, Flora MacDonald, take centre stage to tell her own tale!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn to open the biggest festive beer hall in Glasgow at Winter Wonderland on The Green
Glasgow is getting its largest-ever Christmas beer hall, and it’s all down to award-winning brewer Innis & Gunn.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
Glaswegians invited to Panto Town as Glasgow 850 finishes with festive flourish
Glaswegians are being urged to embrace the unique spirit of the city's pantomimes with the launch of Get You in Panto Town!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries celebrates the season of giving with festive family fun
The magic of Christmas has arrived at Buchanan Galleries, with a heartwarming line-up of festive activities taking place throughout November and December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet
Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Glasgow's Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.
READ MORE
Hoolie in the Hydro opens doors to young Gaels for Glasgow 850
More than 1,300 Glasgow schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to access live music as part of a special tie-up between Hoolie in the Hydro and Glasgow 850.
READ MORE
ASN sessions to be held at Winter Wonderland Glasgow Green
Dedicated ASN sessions are to be hosted at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green to enable families in need of support to have a festive day out.
READ MORE
77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts awarded with highest honour given to volunteer led groups
The 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts has been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for volunteer-led groups in the UK.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio
Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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).
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links