Scottish Music Awards: Stars hit the red carpet as charity event makes live return at Glasgow’s Barrowlands

The stars came out last night as the Scottish Music Awards made a triumphant live return.

Some of the country’s hottest and legendary acts were celebrated at the ceremony at the famous Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow.

Hosted by Edith Bowman, the singers and bands hailed included Wet Wet Wet, Amy Macdonald, Nina Nesbitt, Biffy Clyro, The Snuts, The Bluebells and KT Tunstall while the event raised money for the Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity.

Tonight's stars have made their red carpet arrival @TheBarrowlands for #SpecsaversSMA and they've brought the glitz and glam… we've missed this! Head over to our Instagram stories to get the full BTS 🤩 Don't forget to tune in via https://t.co/Aq9wqxae1r pic.twitter.com/CLxIsCL9ox

— Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy (@nordoffrobbins) November 13, 2021

It was the first time in two years the awards had been held live due to the pandemic and Donald MacLeod, chairman of the charity’s fundraising committee, said the ceremony, sponsored by Specsavers, was a crucial event.

“After an extremely hard 20 months or so for the music industry, it felt so special to have all of our old friends and supporters back together under one iconic roof at one of the best venues in the world.

“Like many other charities during lockdown, Nordoff Robbins’ income has been decimated with this year’s projected forecast only 40% of our pre-Covid income. That’s why tonight’s event was so important.”

Wet Wet Wet picked up the Icon Award and played some of their greatest hits and the Bluebells were handed the Legend Award.

KT Tunstall, who is touring with Rick Astley, received the OVO Energy environmental award. Tunstall, who joined the awards by video link, then sang along with Rick Astley to his hit Never Gonna Give You Up.

Macdonald, who picked up the Specsavers Outstanding Achievement in Music award, said: “It’s always nice to get awards but what is even nicer right now is being back in a big room full of people. I never thought this day would come.

“This is the most important evening like this that we have ever had for the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards and I hope you guys can raise as much money as possible. I’m so happy to be part of it. Thank you for having me and thanks for giving me such a beautiful award.”

Other winners were Bow Anderson, who picked up the best pop act, Sam Fender, who won the best UK award, and Gordon Duncan, who took home the music industry award.

The cinch presents TRNSMT Festival collected the best event award.

The live event was hosted by Bowman while viewers at home could watch via a livestream.