CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Final acts announced for Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

With just two days to go until the sold-out 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards at Barrowland Ballroom, the prestigious awards ceremony has announced its latest winners and performers on the night.

Final acts announced for Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

Article Source: Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Last Updated: 31 October 2024 16:51

Fairground Attraction’s Eddi Reader, Edinburgh’s own Nina Nesbitt, Grammy award winning producer Blair Ferguson, moody trad Newcomers Beluga Lagoon and crowd pleasers GUN to be honoured at Specsavers Scottish Music Awards, celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the music industry.

These artists will join the ranks of previous winners such as Lewis Capaldi, Sharleen Spiteri, Amy MacDonald, and Wet Wet Wet. The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards, now in its 26th year, is a flagship fundraiser for Nordoff and Robbins, a UK-based music therapy charity.

At this year’s ceremony, headline sponsor Specsavers will be encouraging musicians and music fans to look after their hearing, with all 1,000 attendees receiving gifted Specsavers hearing protection. The move comes after the high street opticians and hearing experts reveals that 23 per cent of gig goers in Scotland think loud music has damaged their hearing and 91 per cent of those working in music and nightlife venues have experienced a negative impact on their hearing.

Ryan Forbes, Specsavers audiology board partner for Scotland, said: “Music has the power to connect us, which can be clearly seen in the important music therapy work carried out by Nordoff and Robbins. However, if you don’t take steps to look after your hearing, exposure to loud music and loud environments over a long period of time can cause permanent damage. With Scotland’s music industry gathered under one roof we wanted to highlight this important issue and ensure guests can protect their hearing so that they can continue to enjoy music for years to come.”

The event will take place on Saturday, November 2nd and feature exclusive performances from some of Scotland's most celebrated musicians. Newcomers Beluga Lagoon, Singer Songwriter Kyle Falconer, 90’s Darlings Soup Dragons, TikTok Favourite Calum Bowie, Scottish Songbird Nina Nesbitt, Rockers Gun and Alt-Rock Heroes Twin Atlantic will take to the stage on the night much to the delight of ticketholders.

In alphabetical order, the full winners and performers list for this year’s Specsavers Scottish Music Awards include:

Berkeley 2 Studios – Guitar Guitar Music Industry Award
Beluga Lagoon - PERFORMING – Barrowland Spotlight Award
Blair Ferguson – Blur69 Sound of Scotland
Calum Bowie - PERFORMING – Beavertown’s Breakthrough Award
Country 2 Country – Ticketmaster’s Tourmaster Award
Eddi Reader - Special Recognition Award sponsored by Specsavers
GUN – PERFORMING – Pizza Express Album of the Year
Hannah Laing – Go Radio Breakthrough Award
Harri and Domenic – Ballantines and Subclub Electronic Music Award
Kyle Falconer – PERFORMING – King Tuts’ Song Writing Award
LuLu – Scottish Icon Award sponsored by Rox
Nina Nesbitt – PERFORMING – SWG3 Independent Icon Award
Phil Bowdery - OVO Hydro Promoter of the Year Award
Soup Dragons - PERFORMING Raymond Weil Lifetime Achievement Award
Travis – Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation
Twin Atlantic – PERFORMING Disruptor Award sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

Glasgow born Eddi Reader rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead vocalist for the band Fairground Attraction, whose hit single "Perfect" and debut album The First of a Million Kisses brought them widespread acclaim. After a 35-year hiatus, the band reunited earlier this year to embark on a 14-date UK tour. Eddi has also built a successful solo career, with her Scottish heritage strongly influencing her music and earning her significant acclaim. Her contributions have garnered numerous awards, including this year’s Special Recognition Award sponsored Specsavers.

Eddi Reader says: “I’m delighted to receive the Special Recognition Award sponsored by Specsavers. Scotland and Scottish music have always had a huge influence on me and my artistic expression, so it feels very special to be acknowledged here. This award is the icing on top of an already amazing year, especially with the joy of reuniting with Fairground Attraction. I’m incredibly proud to support Nordoff and Robbins and their extraordinary work using music to bring healing and joy to so many. Their mission is deeply inspiring, and it's an honour to be recognised at an event that supports such a meaningful cause.”

Beluga Lagoon have recently captured the hearts of Scottish Audiences with their unique blend of Scots infused trad and modern rock. Selling out their biggest headline to date at the Barrowlands earlier this year caught the eye of venue manager Tom, who fell in love with their sound and handpicked them to be this years recipient of the Barrowland Spotlight Award.

Andrew O’Donnel, wilderness filmmaker turned Beluga frontman said: ‘It feels quite strange to be winning an award for music to be honest! Music is basically an essential part of life as far as I'm concerned, and being able to do it in a professional sense is still mind blowing. For many years I've been quite a reluctant performer, but this has been our busiest year in terms of live shows by a long way. Seeing how the music impacts on people has been really moving, and I have a deepened respect for the power of music. I think this is a feeling I share with Nordoff and Robbins.’

Edinburgh’s own Nina Nesbitt returned to our airwaves this year with her latest record, Mountain Music, with a series of signings and tour dates across the UK. On top of this, Nina has recently launched her own label, Apple Tree Records – making her win of SWG3’s Independent Icon Award all the more fitting.

Nina says: “As someone who has just started my own record label, I’m so honoured to be winning the Independent Icon award at the Scottish Music Awards! I’m always so grateful for the support I receive back home. I’m so excited to be playing at the event and spending a night celebrating Scottish music.”

Grammy award winner and “local lad” Blair Ferguson went from spending his early-teens producing tracks from his childhood bedroom to taking home his first Grammy at just 19, winning “Best R&B Track” for SZA’s “Snooze”. Given the extent of his talent, it felt fitting for Blair to take home Blur 69’s Sound of Scotland.

Blair Ferguson says: “Scotland has an amazing track record of producing talent that has shaped the history of popular music across the world, so it’s a great honor to receive the Sound of Scotland award at this year’s Specsavers Scottish Music Awards. Music connects people and changes lives. The event’s continued support for the work of Nordoff-Robbins shows how much the organizers understand the healing power of music. I’m looking forward to being part of this important event and to help raise money for the charity to continue doing its extraordinary work.”

A stones throw away from the Barrowlands is the home of Calton rockers, GUN. This year saw the band celebrate 30 years of their hit track “Word Up” and the announcement of a December tour to support their latest album, Hombres, winning them the Pizza Express Best Album Award.

Dante Gizzi from GUN says: "We are so deeply honoured to receive Album of the Year in Scotland. This recognition means the world to us, and we're grateful for the support and connection with the people and music community here.

We've had a long-standing association with Nordoff Robins over the years and it's been a truly phenomenal charity to be involved with. Their work with vulnerable communities, including those with disabilities, highlights the true potential of music to change lives in the most profound ways."

Sponsored Links

City Of Glasgow Chorus
Open Pass Scotland
Media Shop
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Tea Green
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Glasgow City Council

Latest Glasgow News

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!

READ MORE
Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life

Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life

Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.

READ MORE
Can you fling a piece oot a 20 storey flat... this Glasgow business wants to find out

Can you fling a piece oot a 20 storey flat... this Glasgow business wants to find out

To mark its 150th anniversary, Dunns Food and Drinks is launching The Great Dunns Piece Fling, a search for a high-rise flat to test the lyric 'ye cannae fling pieces oot a twenty-storey flat'!

READ MORE
Summer offers from the Kings and Theatre Royal Glasgow

Summer offers from the Kings and Theatre Royal Glasgow

ATG Entertainment launches their Summer Saver campaign with discounted tickets to over 100 shows including several at the King's Theatre and Theatre Royal in Glasgow!

READ MORE
Matthew Algie and Tinderbox launch limited edition menu in support of Beatson Cancer Charity

Matthew Algie and Tinderbox launch limited edition menu in support of Beatson Cancer Charity

Tinderbox and Glasgow roaster Matthew Algie have teamed up with Beatson Cancer Charity for the second year running – and this time, the menu’s three times bigger.

READ MORE
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

READ MORE
Elements announces the return of its signature 444 lunch and cocktail experience to celebrate its first birthday

Elements announces the return of its signature 444 lunch and cocktail experience to celebrate its first birthday

Elements, the celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Bearsden, has announced the highly anticipated return of its signature 4/4/4 cocktail lunch offer, now featuring a brand-new selection of cocktails.

READ MORE
Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne joins the cast of The Battle at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne joins the cast of The Battle at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Horne will play the music industry executive who kicked off the race to No 1. between the two bands.

READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

READ MORE
King Pins opens its doors in Glasgow

King Pins opens its doors in Glasgow

The state-of-the-art bowling and activity venue brings ten-pin & duck pin bowling, tech darts, ice-free curling, arcades and more to Glasgow's Silverburn!

READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

READ MORE
Glasgow retailer House Party relaunches with pop up at Pride Hub

Glasgow retailer House Party relaunches with pop up at Pride Hub

Beloved Glasgow indie House Party is back with a new model and a Pride pop-up at The Social Hub from 14–20 July!

READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces first productions for 2026

Citizens Theatre announces first productions for 2026

With doors set to reopen this August, the Citizens Theatre has announced its programme from January - June 2026 as part of its reopening year of productions.

READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
CUPP launches brand new Boba Cafe Kiosk at Silverburn

CUPP launches brand new Boba Cafe Kiosk at Silverburn

CUPP, the cult-favourite boba tea brand known for its viral drinks and dedicated following, is opening an all-new Boba Café Kiosk in Silverburn.

READ MORE
Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement

Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement

Scotland’s multi-venue festival for music discovery, is back for 2025 with a first wave of 30+ unmissable artists including Manchester’s Pale Waves.

READ MORE
Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The limited-time experience is the first-of-its-kind at Topgolf Glasgow in collaboration with Marvel Studios!

READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

READ MORE
Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow

Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow

Scotland's first openly gay professional footballer is set to headline Pride events at The Social Hub Glasgow.

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort unveils 20th anniversary artwork created by local school pupils

Glasgow Fort unveils 20th anniversary artwork created by local school pupils

Artwork to celebrate the centre's 20th anniversary was officially unveiled at Glasgow Fort last week.

READ MORE
Glaschu announces two further exclusive dinners with chef Brian Maule

Glaschu announces two further exclusive dinners with chef Brian Maule

Glaschu, one of Glasgow's most established fine dining restaurants, will join forces once again with acclaimed chef, Brian Maule for two nights in August.

READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way: A Brand New Street Festival for 2025

The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way: A Brand New Street Festival for 2025

This Sunday sees the arrival of a brand-new community event for 2025: The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way!

READ MORE
Take Me Somewhere Festival unveils 3 powerful performances ahead of full festival announcement

Take Me Somewhere Festival unveils 3 powerful performances ahead of full festival announcement

Three powerful performances by internationally acclaimed artists Dan Daw, Cherish Menzo and collective MEXA are revealed, in anticipation of full festival announcement on Tuesday 29th July.

READ MORE
Free travel for Armed Forces Day

Free travel for Armed Forces Day

First Bus offers free travel to all current serving members, veterans and cadets for Armed Forces Day celebrations across its network.

READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

The Quay
Great Run Company
Glasgow Music City Tours
East Renfrewshire Culture
Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Hilton Glasgow

Sponsored Links

City Of Glasgow Chorus
Open Pass Scotland
Media Shop
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Tea Green
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Glasgow City Council
The Quay
Great Run Company
Glasgow Music City Tours
East Renfrewshire Culture
Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Hilton Glasgow

Popular Events

FREE Open Air Cinema at QPA
Open-air cinema returns to Queen's Park Arena this summer with a selection of 'Cults & Classics' themed films!
Summer Nights at the Bandstand
The Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival returns to Kelvingrove Park for a tenth year with 13 nights of live music from elbow, Billy Ocean, Hue And Cry, Teenage Fanclub and many more!
Bard in the Botanics
Bard in the Botanics are delighted to be returning to Glasgow Botanic Gardens for Summer 2025 with their 'magic - mayhem - and murder' season!
Alexandra Park Festival Day
Platform's annual family Festival Day at Alexandra Park returns for 2025 on Saturday 19th July with live music, food & market stalls, kids activities and much more!
Oasis 96 & Kasabian’t
Can't make Oasis at Murrayfield? Experience the next best thing! Oasis 96 & Kasabiain't bring the anthems, attitude and energy of Oasis & Kasabian.

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