Final acts announced for Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

Fairground Attraction’s Eddi Reader, Edinburgh’s own Nina Nesbitt, and Grammy award winning producer Blair Ferguson to be honoured at Specsavers Scottish Music Awards alongside moody trad newcomers Beluga Lagoon and crowd pleasers GUN.

Full Winners List and Performers Announced for the 2024 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.

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.

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."

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