Scottish music legend Aly Bain named as 2026 recipient of prestigious Edinburgh Award
The 80-year-old musician has called Edinburgh home for the past six decades
Influential Scottish musician Aly Bain has been named as the recipient for one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious prizes.
The fiddler is known as one of Scotland’s most celebrated traditional musicians and has now added another string to his bow after being named this year’s winner of the Edinburgh Award 2026.
The Edinburgh Award is an annual prize which celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the city as well as helping to promote the city at home and abroad.
The award was introduced in 2007 by City of Edinburgh Council and former winners include Sir Ian Rankin, JK Rowling, Sir Chris Hoy, and Ann Budge among many others.
The 80-year-old, born in Lerwick in Shetland, has called Edinburgh home since his early 20s.
He began playing the fiddle at age 11 and has gone on to become one of Scotland’s most celebrated musicians.
Mr Bain had performed at major milestones in Scotland’s recent history, including at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and the funeral of the country’s first First Minister in 2000.
As well as performing in a solo capacity, Mr Bain has also performed alongside Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly in the group The Humblebums as well as being a founding member of the influential folk group The Boys of the Lough.
Nominees for the Edinburgh Award are submitted annually by members of the public before a worthy recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee.
Speaking about his Edinburgh Award win, the musician 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.”
Mr Bain will be presented with the Loving Cup by the Lord Provost later this year. He will also have his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers as part of the ceremony.
Lord Provost 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.”