Complete lineup of winners announced for the 2023 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have revealed the final round of winners ahead of the ceremony taking place at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom this Saturday 4th November.
Article Source: Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Last Updated: 2 November 2023 13:46
Local and international talent from across the industry will be recognised, and organisers today announced that music legend Sir Elton John, his long-time guitarist and collaborator Davey Johnstone, veteran Scots singer Barbara Dickson, indie favourites The Snuts, up-and-comers Dead Pony, and europop royalty Middle of the Road will complete the line-up of winners for the ceremony’s bumper 25th edition.
The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards is a flagship fundraiser in aid of the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, helping them to harness the power of music to break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation, creating space for people to express themselves and find connection in society. From adults with dementia reconnecting with their family, to children with autism finding their voice, Nordoff and Robbins believes that everyone who needs it should have access to music therapy, because it can, quite simply, transform people’s lives.
The ceremony will showcase the emerging and established talent coming from Scotland with Dead Pony and Middle of the Road set to perform alongside rapper Bemz, singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, social media sensation Katie Gregson-MacLeod and homegrown popstar Joesef, culminating in an exclusive performance by Bay City Roller Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood.
Global music icon Sir Elton John will receive the Specsavers Global Artist Award following his recent retirement from almost 50 years of performing live around the world. He concluded his Farewell Yellow Brick Road UK arena tour at Scotland’s home of live entertainment, OVO Hydro, this summer where Scots fans said an emotional goodbye to the star; now, he is being honoured by headline sponsors Specsavers with a Scottish Music Award.
Sir Elton John said: “Thank you for honouring me with the Specsavers Global Artist Award. I’ve always loved coming to Scotland and playing for all of you. It’s one of my favourite places and one of the most beautiful countries to visit, so I’m extremely touched.”
Arlene Stephenson, Specsavers’ Scottish divisional chair, said: “Elton John is an iconic musician and showman whose work has had, and will continue to have a lasting impact on the music industry. I would like to congratulate him on behalf of Specsavers on this much-deserved win.”
By his side throughout that time on tour, Edinburgh-born Davey Johnstone – long-time member of the Elton John band – is also set to receive the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation Special Recognition Award on the night. Johnstone has been a constant in John’s band for almost half a century, rising from session guitarist to musical director during their more than 3000 shows together.
Davey Johnstone said: “I’m so grateful to come home to Scotland to receive this award, and I’m humbled and amazed by the work of Nordoff and Robbins in their music therapy program which gives joy and healing to those in need. The healing powers of music have always been evident, but the Scottish Music Awards are bringing awareness to this issue on the contemporary stage.”
Hailing from Dunfermline, Barbara Dickson OBE will be recognised by the SWG3 Outstanding Achievement Award that honours her incredible singing and acting career first established in the 70s. The ‘I Know Him So Well’ singer is also an Alzheimer's Ambassador for Nordoff and Robbins Scotland, so the award win is a connection close to her heart.
Barbara Dickson OBE said: “I am so honoured to be recognised for my long career by the Scottish Music Awards, 2023. I’m sorry not to be able to attend, but I send love to all who thought of me and good wishes for a successful evening. Love and thanks.”
Hailing from Lothian, festival favourites The Snuts have bagged the Ticketmaster Tour Master Award following a busy summer of appearances including Reading and Leeds and two of their biggest headline gigs to date in Glasgow’s SWG3. Latest track ‘Gloria’ was the band’s first release on their own label Happy Artist Records signalling an exciting new direction for the dedicated Nordoff and Robbins supporters.
The Snuts said: “Live music is a place where you can still be truly creative as an artist and we’re grateful to have our two sold out shows at SWG3 this year, recognised by the Scottish Music Awards.”
Glasgow post-punk band Dead Pony have won the P&J Live Spotlight Award, coinciding with the beginning of their first UK headline tour and an exciting new chapter for the four-piece. Led by singer Anna Shields, the band released their debut single during lockdown and have since gone from strength to strength even gracing the stages of Glastonbury and TRNSMT.
Dead Pony said: “It is such an honour and a privilege to be picking up the P&J Live Spotlight award at this year’s Scottish Music Awards. We have been working so hard over past couple of years and moments of recognition like receiving this award make the grafting all worth it. We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the continued support from our fans so thank you for everything, this means the world to us.”
Scottish platinum-selling pop group Middle of the Road have been awarded the Raymond Weil Heritage Award recognising their distinct brand of europop that paved the way for the likes of ABBA in the 70s. Fronted by Sally Carr, Middle of the Road’s number one debut single ‘Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep’ catapulted them to overnight success and, with a new forthcoming single, they’re set to return to stages across Europe in 2024.
Stuart McCredie, son of original founding guitarist Ian McCredie, who also performs with the band, said: “We’re naturally thrilled to receive a Scottish Music Award this year, it means so much and everyone in the band is really looking forward to performing in Glasgow’s famous Barrowland Ballroom this weekend. My dad is currently unwell, so it’s my honour to be collecting this award on his behalf, and all of the brilliant musicians past and present, who have performed with Middle Of The Road.”
As well as performances and awards, the evening will also include a charity auction. Amongst the prizes, Scotland’s home of live entertainment, OVO Hydro, have donated a ‘Golden Ticket’ with the highest bidder winning a ticket to every show at the venue over the next 12 months. Those who aren’t attending the event that would like to bid for the OVO Hydro Golden Ticket can do so by contacting Simon Foy at simon.foy@nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Last year’s Specsavers Scottish Music Awards was its most successful edition yet, featuring performances from honorary Scot Rod Stewart, the newly revived Altered Images and Hebridean hot-tickets Peat and Diesel. Hosted by long-time Nordoff and Robbins supporter Edith Bowman – who is returning to present this year’s edition - it celebrated big-names and up-and-comers alike, all in the name of raising funds for the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the awards, long-time supporter ROX have crafted a bespoke Scottish Music Award’s broach which will be gifted to all winners on the night.
The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have also joined forces with Go Radio as their official radio partner for 2023. Tune into Go Radio this week for exclusive interviews and build up to the ceremony.
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Secret New Tours at Stirling Castle offer behind the scenes access
Secret Stirling Tours – a new bespoke tour of Stirling Castle – launches today (Monday 15 September) giving visitors exclusive access to areas of the site that are normally closed to the public.
READ MORE
Local runner swaps sneakers for shackles in spooky Stirling shopping centre sleepover
A Stirling local is set to spend the night in one of the city’s most unusual, and eerie, locations to raise vital funds for children across the world.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORE
Find your next business opportunity at Forth Valley Meet the Real Buyer event
Local businesses and social enterprises across the Forth Valley are being invited to explore supply chain opportunities in a free-to-attend event at Alloa Town Hall.
READ MORE
Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.
READ MORE
Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie
Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour
Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Fair Trade Stirling going the distance in cycling fundraiser for Malawi
Fair Trade Stirling is holding a sponsored bike ride to raise money for its long-term partners in the Karonga District of Malawi.
READ MORE
Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland
Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MORE
20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORE
A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party
It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MORE
Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month
Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MORE
Go Forth Stirling Launch 2026 Business Awards
Stirling’s outstanding independent and national retailers are set to be recognised and rewarded at the city’s 2026 Business Awards.
READ MORE
Drop in sessions begin on draft Visitor Levy scheme for Stirling
Businesses, visitors and residents are urged to feedback on Stirling’s draft Visitor Levy scheme as drop-in sessions begin.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Stirling Photography Festival goes Beyond with exhibitions across Stirlingshire
The Stirling Photography Festival is proud to announce the launch of a series of exhibitions in rural Stirling as part of their 2025 programme.
READ MORE
Stirling marks 30th Anniversary of Braveheart
Braveheart continues to be a huge draw for visitors to Scotland as Stirling prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Oscar-winning epic.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
New Forth Valley Five Campaign Launches to Champion Local Food and Drink
Businesses across Stirling and beyond are being invited to take the ‘Forth Valley Five’ pledge: a bold new initiative designed to celebrate local food and drink and boost community wealth.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Clans @ The Croft team mountain bike enduro event returns
A multiple Clan skirmish of epic proportions is on the cards again for mountain bike Enduro riders when Clans @ The Croft, the first team event on the UK's Enduro calendar, returns to Creiff.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Call for sites and ideas for new Local Development Plan in Stirling
Residents, community groups and other key stakeholders will have the opportunity to shape Stirling’s future as the consultation on the area’s new Local Development Plan enters crucial new phase.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links