I am very delighted to say that I won the category ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ at the recent MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2009, at a glittering ceremony in Dumfries. It was a huge shock. I was delighted my parents and closest friends could be there to celebrate the occasion, and of course am very thankful to everyone who voted for me. Many thanks to Simon Thoumire for tirelessly working on behalf of so many musicians to get scotland’s music further into the public and media spotlight. His work is vital!