Vote for FARA!

Orkney band, FARA have been nominated for The Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Music — an award which grants the winners £25,000 to pursue and develop their music.

The prestigious fund is the largest cash prize in Scotland. Financially matched only by the Mercury Prize, the £25,000 rewards innovation, and will support the winning act to progress unique ideas and empower creation through a career-changing sum of money.

On top of this, the award is also accompanied by the brewing of a collaboration ale with the winner’s name, alongside an appearance at the Belhaven Brewery Post Parade Party in New York during Tartan Week in April 2019. The winning artist will also be propelled into the spotlight through a televised advertising campaign featuring their music.

Neo-trad quintet Elephant Sessions were selected for the inaugural award last year, and have since used the cash to amplify their talent and showcase their sounds internationally.

The Belhaven fund is supported by Showcase Scotland Expo, an organisation backing the international development of Scottish-based artists and the bursary is awarded to bands or artists chosen through a panel of industry experts.

The Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Music shortlist is as follows: FARA, Breabach, Daimh, Inyal, Nae Plans, Niteworks, Rachel Newton, Siobhan Miller, Talisk and Tide Lines.

The winner of the award will be announced at MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards at Perth Concert Hall on Saturday, December 1, which will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA, BBC Radio Scotland and globally through the BBC ALBA website. The evening provides invigorating performances from artists flying the flag for Scotland’s bustling industry. To bring the audience to their feet, the line-up features live-sets from Croft No Five, Mànran, Karine Polwart Trio, Hannah Rarity, Eabhal, Catriona Watt, Gordon Duncan Experience and Gerda Stevenson.

FARA’s Kristan Harvey, Jennifer Austin, Catriona Price and Jeana Leslie say they are thrilled to be in the running for the award, and would be delighted if Orkney will get behind them and vote — follow the link below to show your support!