A SOCIAL enterprise which encourages residents in Barrhead and Neilston to come together and take part in musical activities was up for a prestigious award at the weekend.

The Folks’ Music Project (TFMP) was nominated for ‘Community Project of the Year’ at the 20th MG Alva Scots Trad Music Awards - the ‘Oscars’ of traditional music in Scotland.

Those behind the project attended an awards ceremony, broadcast live on BBC Alba, at Dundee’s Caird Hall on Sunday, alongside shortlisted nominees from a whole range of categories.

Unfortunately,TFMP, which was founded by Neil Wood who was brought up in Neilston, was pipped to the post for the prize by the Isle of Arran Music School.

Neil started playing the clarsach (Scottish harp) when he was seven after it was introduced to him at a Fèis (Gaelic music and art summer camp) in the village.

He has since gone on to become a professional musician and study harp and traditional music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he is now doing a PhD in harp technique.

He said: “We are so chuffed to have been shortlisted for Community Project of the Year at The Trad awards alongside so many brilliant organisations and musicians.

“It’s great to be able to celebrate the hard work of our tutors and volunteers but most of all its great to get some recognition for the inspiring and enthusiastic members of the community we have the pleasure of sharing music with.”

The organisation’s mission to provide low and no cost traditional music tuition and activity for anyone of any age.

Last year they received a grant from Neilston Windfarm Legacy (NWL) to allow adults and young people to enjoy lessons in traditional Scottish harp, fiddle and guitar, regardless of previous musical experience.

Last week TFMP had a had a great time hosting a come-and-try workshop at Barrhead Foundry and playing tunes for St Andrew’s Day.

The organisation also hosts a monthly traditional music jam session at Neilston Development Trust’s hub, The Bank, in Main Street, the next one of which will take place this Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.

Following the success of this, in May a similar initiative was started in Dunterlie, in Barrhead.

To find out more visit www.facebook.com/FolksMusicProj.