As we near the end of this particularly strange year, the 2020 awards season continues with the Scottish Music Awards taking on a new digital format later this month. Now in its 22nd year, the awards evening will be hosted live by Edith Bowman from SWG3 in Glasgow and will be available to stream from 7pm on Sat 28 Nov ahead of St Andrew's Day.

Artists from across Scotland are set to join forces for the virtual event and help raise critical funds for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins. The event, which will be available to stream via the Nordoff Robbins website and social channels, is set to feature brand new performances filmed socially distanced and in line with Scottish Government regulations, as well as exclusive footage from previous sets.

Highlights will include exclusive footage from Biffy Clyro's 2020 Barrowland Ballroom gig and never-before-seen footage from Lewis Capaldi's massive 2020 European tour. Brand new performances by Amy Macdonald, Dougie MacLean, Gun, Hacienda Classical Orchestra, HYYTS, kitti, Luke La Volpe, Stephanie Cheape, Texas, Wet Wet Wet and more will also be included as part of the awards show broadcast. To top the evening off, legendary Scottish DJ George Bowie will host the Scottish Music Awards virtual afterparty.

Rising star Luke La Volpe said: 'It's some buzz to be nominated for the Breakthrough Award, especially in such a tough year for everyone in the music industry. It's my dream to follow in the footsteps of all the amazing Scots who've won it before so I've tried to stay busy and keep pushing forward despite all the difficulties we've had. It's not been easy for any of us and I want to say a huge thanks to the fans who've stuck with me and the artists and everyone behind the scenes who are working so hard to make sure we can all come back strong in 2021.'

The award ceremony is the key fundraising event for Nordoff Robbins, the UK charity which provides music therapy to the people who need it most, enriching the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses, disabilities and feelings of isolation. Nordoff Robbins has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to lose approximately 75% of its fundraising income this year. The virtual event will help bring people together to celebrate the constantly evolving Scottish music scene and support this important cause.

Scottish Music Awards 2020 nominees and performers include:
Ambassadors of Rock Award – Gun
Best Album Award – Biffy Clyro
Best Breakthrough Award – Luke La Volpe (Male) and kitti (Female)
Best Pop Act Award – HYYTS
Best UK Award – Lewis Capaldi
Icons Award – Texas
Innovation Award – Graeme Park - Hacienda Classics
Nordoff Robbins Legend Award – George Bowie
Outstanding Contribution Award – Wet Wet Wet
Special Recognition Award – Dougie MacLean
Women in Music Award – Amy Macdonald

Over the past 21 years, the Scottish Music Awards have honoured stars from Annie Lennox to Susan Boyle, and more recently acts like Be Charlotte, Tom Walker and Lewis Capaldi. The 2019 event included Simple Minds, Joesef, Twin Atlantic and Tom Walker and raised a remarkable £70,000 for Nordoff Robbins. Although the event will look a little different this year in its online format, it is sure to continue bringing Scottish music artists and fans together for a great cause.

Scottish Music Awards, Sat 28 Nov, 7–10.30pm, nordoff-robbins.org.uk/SMAS2020