Staff, audiences and performers are celebrating after Perth Concert Hall was named as Venue of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards held in Glasgow on Saturday 6 December.
Thanks to the votes and support it received from the people of Perth, audiences and artists, the Fair City favourite, run by creative enterprise Horsecross, romped past the post beating competition from several well-established traditional music venues.
Andy Shearer, creative director, contemporary music, for Horsecross, who accepted the award, said:
"We were delighted to be the first of the country's major concert halls to be nominated in this category and to win it is unbelievable. The award has been won by all the staff at Perth Concert Hall, as well as Perth Theatre - the technical, admin, marketing, catering and box office teams - whose professionalism and welcome helps artists to give their best in our venues.
"It is also very pleasing to be recognised for proving that an adventurous programme can be successfully staged without massive budgets and outwith the major cities.
"We want to thank all the brilliant artists who've performed at Perth Concert Hall and above all, the audiences who turn out to our concerts as they're the people who ultimately make it possible for us to do what we do."
Jane Spiers, Horsecross chief executive, said:
"We set out to showcase the best living music traditions at Perth Concert Hall and to attract visitors from all over the world to experience events that are uniquely Scottish. This award places Perth right at the heart of Scotland's traditional music scene and it's a fantastic feeling for all of us to get this national recognition for our traditional music programme, especially from a public vote. I'm really proud of everyone at Horsecross for bringing home this coveted award."
Pete Wishart, Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire, who attended the awards ceremony at The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow said:
"Perthshire's arts and cultural calendar has gone from strength to strength in recent years and Perth Concert Hall's contribution to this growth cannot be underestimated. Artists, exhibitions and conferences that might have otherwise chosen to take their business to Edinburgh and Glasgow are now coming to Perth. "
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra which was performing in Perth Concert Hall as the awards were announced on Saturday 6 December won the Strathspey and Reel Society of the Year Award. Live Act of the Year, The Peatbog Fairies, will be appearing at Perth Concert Hall as part of the Polish Spring festival on 6 March 2009.
The ceremony was filmed by the BBC and highlights will be featured on BBC Alba on Monday 8 December and on BBC iPlayer from Tuesday 9 December.