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Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Of The Year 2007 announced
Six of Scotland's finest young musicians battled it out in the grand final of
91Èȱ¬ Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician Of The Year Awards at City Halls, Glasgow.
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Presented by Mary Ann Kennedy on Sunday
(28 January), this was the first year the event was broadcast
live on
Radio Scotland.
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After what was a tough decision, judges announced that
Catriona Watt (19) from the Isle of Lewis had won the coveted title with her
moving performance of Gaelic song.
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Winning the title has brought her the
opportunity to perform at various high profile festivals in the UK and across
the world, a recording deal with Foot Stompin' Records and one year's
membership of the Musicians' Union.
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All the finalists receive one year's
membership of the Traditional Music and Song Association and a session on
Radio Scotland's Travelling Folk programme.
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Jeff Zycinski, Head of Radio, 91Èȱ¬ Scotland, and Jack McConnell MSP,
First Minister of Scotland, announced and presented the winner with her trophy
live on air and in front an applauding audience.
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Jeff Zycinski said: "91Èȱ¬ Radio Scotland is proud of its continued support of
the Young Traditional Musician Of The Year Awards, it's a terrific event which
gives our young musical talent a platform on which to perform.
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"Nurturing
talent is important to us and the musicians who performed here tonight more
than demonstrated what talent they have.
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"Unfortunately there can only be one
winner and I am delighted to have awarded this year's trophy to Catriona. I
wish her every success in what Im sure will be a promising and fulfilling
musical career."
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Jack McConnell added: "Scotland's traditional music remains a
cornerstone of our culture.
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"As a young man growing up in Arran I was surrounded
by traditional music - and, I think it's important that we give future
generations of young people the opportunity to enjoy that music too.
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"The 91Èȱ¬
Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award provides an excellent
opportunity for us to promote traditional music to Scotland's young people, and
to inspire them with their heritage.
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"It also sends the message out loud and clear that, if they have the
determination and the talent, the opportunity is there for young Scots to go on
and have a rewarding career in traditional music."
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Speaking about her win, Catriona said: "It's been a great night and we've all
throughly enjoyed it - albeit it was a little nervewracking.
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"I'm looking
forward to making the most of winning this award and using every opportunity it
brings to further my career in traditional music."
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Radio Scotland has supported the Young Traditional Musician Of The Year Awards
since it launched seven years ago.
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This award exists to encourage young musicians
to keep their tradition alive and to maximise their musical potential by the
pursuit of a career in traditional music.
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This was the first time the final was held at the City Halls as part of the
Celtic Connections Festival.
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It was also the first time it had been broadcast
live on Radio Scotland.
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JG2
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