2024 Scot of the Year Award – Barbara McOwen
The Scot of the Year Award celebrates those over 35 who have delivered outstanding service to the Scottish community in New England. This year’s recipient, Barbara McOwen, has been a true champion of the Scottish fiddle and traditional Scottish dance for over 50 years.
Since first receiving her degree in music, Barbara has been a driving force in promoting and advocating for Scottish fiddle music and musicians. As co-founder of the Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School, Boston Scottish Fiddle Club, NH Strathspey & Reel Society (now the NH Scottish Music Club) , as well as several other organizations, Barbara has spent decades promoting, performing and preserving Scottish music and culture throughout North America, Scotland, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Her accomplishments with these organizations, as well as with the Boston Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Barbara’s fiddle music, her history and music books, and her recording compilations, are testament to her amazing legacy. Whether as a performer, producer, adjudicator or other role, Barbara continues to bring the joy of Scottish fiddle music to life, making her an invaluable part of our community. Most important of all, her passion has inspired countless musicians and fans around the world.
Thank you Barbara for all the hard work you have done, creating, preserving and enhancing the Scottish community here in New England.
A special Thank You to British Consul General to New England David Clay, and his wife Sophie, who kindly hosted the awards at their residence in Boston.
We would also like to extend our thanks to our Event Sponsors below, without which, none of this would be possible:
