Singer Ellie Beaton takes the title of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2025 in a final dominated by RCS students and graduates
Six of the nation’s brightest traditional music talents – all students or graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – delivered a roof-raising end to Celtic Connections on Sunday night.
The final of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2025 competition was dominated by RCS artists, with Aberdeenshire singer Ellie Beaton taking home the title and trophy.
Ellie, who graduated from the Vocal Studies programme in 2024, said: “I am delighted to have won this prestigious title – it’s an incredible recognition. I feel so privileged to be counted among the inspiring past winners.”
Joining Ellie in the final were:
- Roo Geddes, fiddle – Jazz graduate
- Miguel Giräo, guitar –Traditional Music graduate
- Laura Penman, clarsach – Traditional Music graduate
- Noah Scott, piano – Traditional Music student
- Clelland Shand, accordion – Bachelor of Education student
The prize, one of the biggest platforms for emerging talent in traditional music, took place at Glasgow’s City Halls and was broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Alba.
Ellie also won a recording session and appearance on Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk, an opportunity to perform at the Scots Trad Music Awards, and one year’s membership of Musicians Union.
Professor Joshua Dickson, Head of Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “Ellie Beaton has contributed very much to the traditional music community at RCS and far beyond, never missing an opportunity to be involved in performances that propel her ensemble experience and her ability to represent dual musical worlds – from the operatic stage to the fairmtoons of Aberdeenshire where she grew up immersed in the narrative storytelling of the Doric ballads.
“We wish her every success as she moves forward in her career.”
In 2021, Ellie became the youngest winner of the MG Alba Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year. She plans to release her debut album whilst working towards a master’s degree this year.
Established in 2001, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician competition has set some of Scotland’s top traditional artists – many from RCS – on the path to international acclaim.
Commenting on this year’s final being dominated by students and graduates, Professor Dickson added: “All have been closely involved in Traditional Music at RCS, either through the Bachelor of Music pathway or through related pathways or programmes, and all have contributed (and continue to contribute) substantially to the scene in Glasgow and much further afield.
“They are a fitting testament to the vibrant musical life of the RCS and surrounding trad community.”