Weekly Lessons Tutor, Calum McIlroy, Wins BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2024
We are thrilled to announce that one of our esteemed tutors, Calum McIlroy, has been awarded the prestigious title of BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2024. Hailing from Aberdeenshire, Calum’s remarkable talent on the mandolin and guitar, coupled with his captivating vocals, have propelled him to the forefront of the traditional music scene.
The competition, held at Glasgow’s City Halls, saw Calum triumph among six finalists, solidifying his status as a rising star in the traditional music scene. Reflecting on his win, Calum expressed his gratitude, stating, “Winning this prestigious award is incredible. It means a lot to me, and I’m proud to be in the company of all the amazing previous winners.”
Having first discovered his passion for traditional music in his school ceilidh band, Calum’s journey exemplifies the importance of nurturing young talent within the Scottish traditional music sector. His win not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores the contribution of platforms like BBC Radio Scotland, and organisations like Hands Up For Trad, in fostering emerging artists.
Joy Dunlop, one of our own Fèis Phàislig board members and host of the competition, commended Calum’s achievement, emphasising his worthiness as this year’s recipient. She remarked, “Calum is a truly worthy winner…we hope this recognition will lead to more success for him.”
As an integral part of our Weekly Lessons family, Calum’s win fills us with immense pride. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him and look forward to witnessing his continued success as he embarks on this exciting journey. Join us in celebrating Calum McIlroy’s outstanding achievement as the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2024!