CELTIC MUSIC RADIO PRESENTER IS BBC RADIO SCOTLAND YOUNG TRADITIONAL MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR 2013

Accordion player Paddy Callaghan has been named BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2013 following an outstanding performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Congratulations to Celtic Music Radio presenter Paddy Callaghan, who has  won the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award 2013.

In Paddy’s own words: ………………….

“Absolutely shocked/delighted/in denial that I’m the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of 2013!”

Your colleagues at Celtic Music Radio had absolutely no doubt!  and  are extremely proud of you. Congratulations and very well done from all the volunteers and listeners of Dunoon  Community Radio and once again,Well done!

He won the prestigious accolade at the end of a fantastic evening’s entertainment which was broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland.

Paddy, 26, from Glasgow, who has previously been a runner up, overcame competition from five other contestants to win a prize which has proven to be a stepping stone to greater success for previous winners.

He said: “It’s frightening. The whole weekend has been a blur. I am used to playing with other people and I decided to enter again to prove to myself that I can go on stage on my own.”

Jeff Zycinski, Head of Radio, BBC Scotland, said: “Many congratulations to Paddy. Once again the audience was treated to a series of compelling performances from outstanding young musicians.

“This annual showcase of emerging talent has again delivered some fantastic highlights.”

Paddy secured the title against competition from Andrew Dunlop from Connel; Graham McKenzie from Inverness; Grant McFarlane from Paisley; Hannah Fisher from Dunkeld; and Scott Wood from Erskine.

Mary Ann Kennedy presented the grand final live on BBC Radio Scotland