Biography

Hamish is a Scottish traditional musician based in Glasgow. He performs with multi-award-winning band Back of the Moon (voted ‘Best Folk Band’ at the 2005 Scots Trad Awards) and with the Hamish Napier Duos.

Also at the 2005 Scots Trad Awards he was nominated for the ‘Best Up and Coming Act’ in the solo category and a year later was a finalist in the Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year Award at Celtic Connections.

Hamish, from Grantown on Spey, started studying piano and flute at the age of 10. He grew up in a family steeped in the traditions of Scottish music and plays whistle, wooden flute and Scottish piano, sings and stepdances (traditional Scottish tapdancing). Several of his family members are also accomplished Scottish Traditional Musicians.

Hamish is increasingly recognized for his whistle and flute playing. He has received tuition from Marc Duff, Iain MacDonald and Niall Keegan and performed with virtuoso flautist Brian Finnegan in the Celtic Connections ‘Master and Apprentice’ concert series.

He also regularly teaches workshops and at festivals to nurture Scottish Traditional musicianship.

How the Award Helped

As a musician at the top of his game, Hamish has to have instruments that match his abilities and talents. The Dewar Arts Awards enabled Hamish to buy a Bb wooden flute.

Since the Award