WATCH: Award is ‘icing on the cake’ for Ardersier group as they are crowned Club of The Year at Trad Awards

A local music club was named the country’s best at the most prestigious night of the year for Scotland’s traditional scene.

Ardersier International Folk Club was named folk club of the year at this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards (Na Trads), held in Inverness recently.

There was further recognition for the local scene, with Croy Live also nominated in the venue of the year category - which was won by Eden Court - and Cultarlan Inbhir Nis given the hero of heroes award for its work promoting Gaelic in and beyond the Highland capital.

Ardersier club founder John Ross and other members were delighted to step on stage to collect their prize.

“This is the icing on the cake,” Mr Ross said.

“When I started this back in February 2017, I never thought for a second that we’d be standing here.“

Mr Ross founded the club to provide an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to meet and play, sing or just listen to their favourite music.

The club has gone from strength to strength and is inclusive of a variety of genres, hosting musicians from all around the world.

Its annual festival has also become a firm favourite among music lovers.

Club member George Livingstone said after the award was announced: “I am almost stuck for words - and most people who know me will find it hard to believe!

“This is a wonderful night that is put on to celebrate the wonderful music, poems, dance…everything that takes place in our traditional world.

“It’s a privilege to belong to Ardersier Folk Club. I have been involved in folk clubs since the late 1960s, and this is without a doubt the best one I have ever been involved with.

“I’d like to thank members of the club for bringing us wonderful evenings every Tuesday, but also to John Ross, because he started the club!”

Awards organiser Simon Thoumire said: “When you look around the Trad Awards, what you see is resilience in action.

“Despite not knowing what tomorrow brings, our sector continues to innovate, to create, to find new ways forward. This spirit of determination is supported by crucial partnerships.

“To our audiences, artists, nominees and sponsors: thank you.

“Just now our musicians, venues, festivals, and organisations face unprecedented uncertainty. This year, more than ever, we celebrate not just excellence, but resilience. Not just tradition, but innovation. Not just where we've been, but where we're going – together.”

Presented by Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the awards were broadcast live on BBC ALBA and can be watched back on BBC iPlayer or via bbc.co.uk/alba. For more information visit www.scotstradmusicawards.com

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