The 2026 Edinburgh Award is to be presented to renowned fiddler Aly Bain.
Aly Bain is one of Scotland’s most celebrated fiddlers, and he has been named as the recipient of the Edinburgh Award in its 20th anniversary year. It is a fitting tribute to someone who has lived in Edinburgh and entertained for more than half a century.
Born in Lerwick, Shetland, he first picked up the fiddle at the age of 11, inspired by his neighbour Tom Anderson, the renowned fiddler and teacher whose guidance would set him on a path to becoming a defining figure in traditional Scottish music.
In his early years Aly performed with Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly in The Humblebums before going on to become a founding member of the influential folk group Boys of the Lough, recording more than 20 albums and touring across the world.
A distinguished solo career followed, with collaborations, recordings and acclaimed TV work including the creation of the internationally celebrated Transatlantic Sessions cementing his reputation far beyond Scotland’s shores.
As he marks his 80th birthday this year, Bain’s connection to Edinburgh and to Scotland more broadly remains as strong as ever. He has called the capital home since his early twenties and has performed at some of the most significant moments in Scottish public life, including the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and the funeral of First Minister Donald Dewar in 2000.
The Rt Hon 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 Bell’s 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.”
The Edinburgh Award was established in 2007 to recognise outstanding individuals who have brought national and international recognition to the city, with recipients nominated by Edinburgh citizens and selected by the Civic Awards Committee. Previous recipients have included bestselling authors, human rights activists and world-famous sportspeople. Bain will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup by the Lord Provost and will have his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers later this year.
