Inside the Barrowlands
A celebration of Scottish music, in support of Nordoff and Robbins.
The host
Sanjeev Kohli
It was one massive party on Saturday 7th November at the Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow as artists from across the music scene in Scotland came together to honour both iconic and up-and-coming talent at this year’s Scottish Music Awards, hosted by comedian Sanjeev Kohli.
The evening
Music with a purpose
The event, now in its 28th year, is also a fundraiser for music charity Nordoff and Robbins, which provides music therapy across the UK and is proof of just how much music can bring healing to others.
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The honours
Icons, classic records and a remarkable year for Scottish artists.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Big Country
There were accolades for established acts, with Calvin Harris winning the Best Live Artist Award and Big Country receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award.
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Icon Award
Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle collected the Icon Award. She told the audience that she had no idea how she was an icon, but she was undoubtedly the star of the show, with a line of celebrities waiting backstage to meet her and have their photo taken with her.
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Music Industry Award
Graham Lyle
Legendary songwriter Graham Lyle was presented with the Music Industry Award in recognition of his contribution to music, his most notable songwriting success being Tina Turner‘s “What’s Love Got to Do with It”.
Classic Album Award
The Fratellis
The Fratellis took home the Classic Album Award for Costello Music.
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Best Album
Callum Beattie
Two of Scotland’s current biggest-selling stars were also in receipt of awards after both having an incredible year. Callum Beattie collected Best Album for his INDI after headlining at Edinburgh Castle in the summer.
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Artist of the Year
Cammy Barnes
Cammy Barnes was clearly emotional as he picked up Artist of the Year, telling us that he’d never have believed he’d sell out the OVO Hydro on his upcoming tour.
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On stage
Performances and the next generation of Scottish talent.
Opening performance
Abbie Gordon
There is also an embarrassment of riches in the new generation of talent who graced the stage. Abbie Gordon started the evening with the first performance of the night, her sound an intriguing blend of influences from the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.
Breakthrough Award
Jacob Alon
Jacob Alon has had huge successes in 2026, winning the prestigious BRIT Awards Critics’ Choice Award earlier in the year and, on the night, winning the Breakthrough Award. Their album In Limerence is a beautiful, ethereal listening experience, as was their performance.
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Spotlight Award
Kerr Mercer
Nineteen-year-old Kerr Mercer proved he is also one to watch, with a voice that carries such emotion that it belies his age. His stripped-back performance of his song “Terrified” showed exactly why he won the Spotlight Award.
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Sound of Scotland Award
Valtos
Scottish trad-EDM band Valtos received the Sound of Scotland Award, which is the perfect summation of their sound, blending traditional Celtic instruments and Gaelic lyrics with electronic dance.
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Faces of the evening
More from Kerry Steyn’s coverage at the Barrowlands.
After a night of big personalities and even bigger performances, a total of £205,000 was raised for Nordoff and Robbins — a true celebration of music, generosity and togetherness.
