Aly Bain, one of Scotland’s most celebrated and influential musicians, has been selected to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award in its 20th year.
The Edinburgh Award was established in 2007 to honour outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh. Nominations are invited annually from Edinburgh citizens and the recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee. Previous recipients include bestselling authors, human rights activists and world-famous sportspeople.
Born in Lerwick, Shetland, Aly began playing the fiddle at the age of 11, inspired by his neighbour the renowned fiddler and teacher Tom Anderson. Under Anderson’s guidance, Aly developed an exceptional talent that would go on to shape traditional music in Scotland.
As Aly Bain celebrates his 80th birthday this year, his contribution to Scottish culture and music remains unparalleled. Widely recognised as a Scottish icon, he has proudly called Edinburgh home since his early twenties, establishing the city as the base for a outstanding international career. His deep connection to Scotland has been reflected throughout his life and work, including performances at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and at the funeral of Scotland’s First Minister, Donald Dewar, in 2000.
In his early years he performed with The Humblebums which included two then-emerging talents, Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly. He later became a founding member of the influential folk group Boys of the Lough, touring extensively across the world and recording more than 20 albums.
Alongside these achievements, he developed a distinguished solo career through collaborations, recordings, and acclaimed television projects including the creation of the internationally renowned Transatlantic Sessions.
Aly will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and have his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers later this year.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Civic Award Committee, Robert Aldridge said:
Aly Bain is a most deserved recipient of the Edinburgh Award, and I’m really pleased that he has accepted.
Aly’s contribution to Scottish music and culture is simply immeasurable. For more than six decades, he has carried the traditions of Scotland to audiences around the world while remaining deeply connected to the communities and heritage that shaped him.
Through his extraordinary musicianship, generosity of spirit, and commitment to nurturing traditional music, Aly has inspired generations of performers and music lovers alike. As he celebrates his 80th year, it is fitting that we recognise not only a remarkable artist, but a true cultural ambassador whose legacy will endure for many years to come.
Aly Bain, said:
I’m honoured indeed to accept the Edinburgh Award.
Edinburgh has been my home for the last sixty years. The city where I have raised my family and where my professional musical journey began.
From small beginnings in places like Sandy Bells pub Scottish traditional music has spread and is now respected worldwide.
My life has been spent performing in cities all over the world but after every tour I have been lucky enough to return home to the most beautiful city of them all.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this award possible.