To mark a spirited 30 years of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Traditional Music programme and the opening of Lochranza Distillery, home of Arran Single Malt, a new prize is set to inspire the next generation of trad music talent.

The RCS Trad@30 Arran Single Malt Composition Prize is open to students on the four-year degree course at Scotland’s national conservatoire.

Students are invited to compose an original piece of music that celebrates both anniversaries for a chance to win up to £1,500, a recording session with Findlay Napier, one of the trad scene’s most influential figures, and a starring slot at this year’s Arran Malt and Music Festival in Lochranza on 29 June.

Judges include Findlay Napier and Gillian Frame, fiddler and folk singer, who were among the first graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Scottish Music at RCS, when it was known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Professor Joshua Dickson, Head of Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “Traditional music has been a catalytic force of creativity and innovation at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for over 30 years, and this partnership with Arran Single Malt is the perfect way to celebrate our joint anniversaries.

“It’s especially fitting that Findlay Napier and Gillian Frame, long-time residents of Arran and two of the first musicians to graduate from our Traditional Music degree programme, are taking part in the adjudication of the competition, and I’m especially excited to see how our students respond to this amazing opportunity.”

Stewart Bowman, Lochranza Distillery Manager, said: “’It’s a real joy to collaborate with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, especially as we both mark our 30th anniversaries.

“The Scottish whisky industry has such a natural connection to traditional music and this competition is a celebration of creativity, talent and cultural heritage – values we hold dear.”

The new work will be based on the theme ‘Worth Reflecting On’ – the ethos of Arran Whisky’s key 30th anniversary campaign – which embraces the idea of looking back on fond memories and achievements shared over the years, whilst staying true to yourself along the journey.

Julie Reynolds, Head of Fundraising and Alumni Relations at RCS, added: “It’s such a pleasure for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to collaborate with Arran Whisky on this wonderful prize, which will be adjudicated by RCS alumni and prominent figures in the trad music scene.

“This partnership beautifully blends tradition and innovation, and we’re thrilled to offer this fantastic opportunity to our talented students.”

Heather Robertson, Global Brand Manager, Isle of Arran Distillers, commented: “It’s a privilege to help celebrate the talent of emerging traditional musicians at RCS and to offer a platform that connects Lochranza Distillery with music in such a meaningful way. As we both mark our 30th anniversaries, this feels like a fitting tribute to Scottish creativity.”

The closing date for the competition is 17 May 2025 and is open to current RCS Traditional Music students only.