Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city.
One of Scotland’s most celebrated traditional musicians, Aly Bain, has been recognised for his extraordinary contribution to Scottish music and culture, receiving the prestigious Edinburgh Award at a civic reception at the City Chambers yesterday evening.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Aly has taken the distinctive sound of Scottish traditional music to audiences around the world, while remaining a passionate champion of the musical heritage and communities that shaped him.
Presented by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, the award celebrates Aly’s exceptional contribution to the cultural life of the capital and his role in bringing Scotland’s rich musical traditions to an international audience.
Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city and brought the Capital to national and international attention. 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.
Alongside family, friends and invited guests, Aly received an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost, an official award certificate, and a set of his handprints preserved in stone in the City Chambers quadrangle was unveiled. The occasion also featured a speech by musician and composer Donald Shaw and specially commissioned piece recited by Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen. Fittingly, the evening finished with an impromptu session by Aly and some of his talented friends.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert 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.
I am delighted that Aly's handprints will now take their place in the City Chambers quadrangle, as a lasting tribute to an outstanding musician and revered figure in Scottish cultural life.
Aly Bain said:
I’m delighted and proud to accept the Edinburgh 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.