BBC Radio Scotland’s annual celebration of young musical talent reached new heights on 1st February when Claire Hastings was announced Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2015, at the City Halls in Glasgow. 

Claire made her mark at the event which was boadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland, as part of Celtic Connections 2015.  

Head of BBC Radio Scotland, Jeff Zycinski noted: “Another year in BBC Radio Scotland’s quest to expose the talent of our young musicians across the country, and yet again we were faced with an extremely difficult choice. 

“Our six finalists have been outstanding tonight, displaying an amazing musical skillset and also the confidence and ability to make their pieces their own. 

“Claire just had that edge to set her above the rest of our finalists and we hope that this recording session takes her on to the national and, ultimately, international stage.” 

The winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2015 will be awarded a recording session with BBC Scotland, performance at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, one year’s membership of the Musicians Union, and all finalists get one year’s membership of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland (TMSA) plus the opportunity to take part in the TMSA’s annual Young Trad Tour. 

Previous winners include Anna Massie, Stuart Cassells, Robyn Stapleton, Paddy Callaghan, Rona Wilkie, Kristan Harvey, Ewan Robertson, James Graham and Catriona Watt. 

The 2015 finalists were: 

Ainsley Hamill
Ryan Young
Heather Downie
Claire Hastings
Seamus O’Baoighill
Gemma Donald

As well as the duo with Robyn, Claire also sings with newly formed band “Top Floor Taivers” alongside Tina Jordan Rees, Grainne Brady and Heather Downie. Combining traditional songs and tunes with their own compositions, the band also showcase Claire’s songwriting talents. Top Floor Taivers have recently recorded their first EP and some tracks are included below.

Visit www.clairehastings.com