Lulu is set to be honoured at the Scottish Music Awards, which are dedicated to raising funds for a music therapy charity.
The celebrated Scottish songstress will be presented with the icon award, courtesy of Rox, while Scots band Travis will be awarded the outstanding achievement gong, backed by the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation.
The awards ceremony, sponsored by Specsavers, is scheduled for Saturday, November 2 at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom, supporting Nordoff Robbins, an organisation that utilises music therapy to assist individuals facing serious health challenges, disabilities, and social isolation.
At 75-years-old, Lulu, who launched her career with the hit “Shout,” has been lauded for her six-decade tenure in the limelight across pop, rock, and soul genres.
She expressed her gratitude, saying: “To be recognised as a Scottish icon is truly humbling.”
She added: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had a 60-year career that has taken me all over the world, but Scotland has always been my home.”
She also noted the significance of the honour, especially when it supports a charity doing such remarkable work.
Travis’s lead singer Fran Healy also commented on the importance of the charity, stating: “Nordoff and Robbins is close to the hearts of all in the musical community.”
He continued: “As musicians, we all know the healing power of music. We see it at each show we play. Songs and melody are bookmarks in all of our lives.”
He concluded by acknowledging the transformative impact of Nordoff Robbins’s music therapy, saying: “Nordoff and Robbins’s work with music therapy has changed the lives of so many people. We are humbled to be chosen by them as the recipients of this year’s outstanding achievement award.”
Singer Calum Bowie is set to receive the Beavertown breakthrough award, while The View’s frontman Kyle Falconer will be honoured with the King Tut’s songwriting award.
Berkeley 2 Studios is poised to accept the Guitar Guitar music industry award.
Falconer expressed his gratitude, stating: “To be given this songwriting award means a lot to me. Being recognised for songwriting gives me a very proud moment in front of my family and the people who have been with me through all the highs and lows.”
He added, reflecting on his journey: “There have been many highs and many lows, but music has given me so many opportunities that I never would have had if I didn’t pick up a guitar and start writing my first song back in the day.”
Bowie, a 23-year-old from Banchory in Aberdeenshire, rose to fame after sharing his musical talents on TikTok.
Reacting to his award, he said: “I’m genuinely shocked to be winning the breakthrough award, it’s a massive honour when you know who’s won it before and gone on to great things.”
The awards ceremony will see the return of broadcaster Edith Bowman as host, where she’ll welcome a mix of Scottish music’s biggest names and emerging artists.
Sandra Schembri, chief executive of Nordoff Robbins, shared her anticipation: “We can’t wait for the 26th annual Scottish Music Awards in aid of Nordoff Robbins.”
She highlighted the importance of the event, saying: “This event is vital in helping us to raise funds and achieve our mission of using the power of music to create space for vulnerable people to express themselves and find connection in society.
“Scotland’s music scene is vibrant and inspiring, and we’re grateful for the incredible talent and generosity of our artists and industry professionals. Together, we’re continuing to make a positive impact on many lives.”
Jennifer Stephenson, Specsavers’s Scottish divisional chairwoman, expressed her pride in the company’s involvement: “Specsavers is proud to be the headline sponsor of the Scottish Music Awards for a sixth consecutive year.”
She added with anticipation, “We can’t wait to see Scotland’s music industry come together for another show-stopping celebration that will raise funds for Nordoff and Robbins.”
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