Fiddler Ruairidh Macmillan last night became the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.
In the first all-male final since the competition began in 2001, the 21-year-old Nairn musician, who recently graduated from the Scottish Music course at the Royal Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, emerged as a popular choice.
During his performance at Glasgow's City Halls, he impressed with his playing in the west coast "pipey" style of his chief influence, Aonghas Grant, the left-handed fiddler from Lochaber.
His solo rendition of The Ulsterman, which he learned from his grandmother's singing, was especially strong, and his introduction of a new tune by Capercaillie fiddler Charlie McKerron in an excitingly arranged closing set made a big impression.
Chairman of the judges Alasdair Campbell praised all six musicians who took part for their talent, skill and musicality and for providing a final that was great fun and a pleasure to listen to.
Mr Macmillan was run close by fellow fiddlers Jack Smedley and Daniel Thorpe from Buckie and Inverurie respectively, Gaelic singer Kenneth Nicolson from Lewis, piper Lorne MacDougall from Carradale and Edinburgh singer-guitarist Adam Holmes.
Ruairidh was presented with his award by Mary Ann Kennedy. The event was broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland as part of the Celtic Connections festival.
Jeff Zycinski, BBC Scotland head of radio, said: "I am delighted to have awarded 2009's BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year trophy to Ruairidh. I wish him every success in what I'm sure will be a promising and fulfilling musical career."
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