Aly Bain celebrated in the capital with Edinburgh Award

SHETLAND fiddler Aly Bain has been presented with the prestigious Edinburgh Award at a civic reception in the capital this week.

Bain was recognised for his “extraordinary contribution to Scottish music and culture”, and was described as “one of Scotland’s most celebrated traditional musicians”.

He has been immortalised with a set of his handprints preserved in stone outside the Edinburgh city chambers.

Bain, has lived in the capital city for many years, said he was “delighted and proud” to accept the award.

“For the last 60 years I have performed all over the world and been lucky enough at the end of every tour to return home to the most beautiful city of all.”

The Edinburgh Award celebrates people who have made a unique contribution to the city, and has been presented annually since 2007.

Organisers said Bain had taken the distinctive sound of Scottish traditional music to audiences all around the world, in a career spanning more than six decades.

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It said he remained a passionate champion of the musical heritage and communities that shaped him.

Presented by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, the award celebrates Bain’s exceptional contribution to the cultural life of the capital and his role in bringing Scotland’s rich musical traditions to an international audience.

Nominations for the Edinburgh Award are invited annually from Edinburgh residents, with the recipient selected by the civic awards committee.

Previous recipients include author Ian Rankin, and sportspeople Sir Chris Hoy and Doddie Weir.

Alongside family, friends and invited guests, Bain received an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and an official award certificate – while a set of his handprints preserved in stone in the city chambers quadrangle was unveiled.

The reception on Tuesday night also featured a speech by musician and composer Donald Shaw and specially commissioned piece recited by Edinburgh makar Michael Pedersen.

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Fittingly, the evening finished with an impromptu session by Bain and some of his friends.

Aldridge said: “It was a great honour to present Aly Bain with the Edinburgh Award in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Scottish music and culture.

“For more than six decades, Aly has shared the richness of Scotland’s traditional music with audiences across the world, becoming one of its greatest ambassadors.

“His talent, passion and commitment have inspired generations of musicians and helped keep our musical traditions alive.

“While his influence is international, his roots remain firmly connected to the traditions and communities that make Scotland’s music so distinctive. His contribution to our cultural heritage is vast, and it is fitting that Edinburgh recognises him with this award.”