Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler to be inducted into Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame

Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler is to be inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in Glasgow this December.

The Glasgow-born singer-songwriter will receive the accolade at Hoolie in the Hydro, a trad showcase taking over the OVO Hydro on Saturday December 12.

Knopfler, 76, will be entered into Hands Up For Trad’s Traditional Music Hall of Fame at the event, which has honoured artists and groups who have made “exceptional contributions” to the genre and community since its launch in 2005.

The show will also pay tribute to 1983 comedy-drama Local Hero, scored by Knopfler.

Acts performing at the fifth Hoolie in the Hydro include Celtic outfit Mànran, founded by event organiser Gary Innes, and Beluga Lagoon. Orcadian band The Chair and Blazin’ Fiddles will each make their Hoolie debuts.

The finale will see Runrig founding member Donnie Munro, Caledonia singer Dougie MacLean, Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis and Gaelic music cult figure Ruairidh Gray, amongst others take the stage.

Knopfler said: “It’s an honour to be inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. One of my earliest memories of Glasgow is singing the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. I was two years old. I still sing it now.

“There’s no doubt that Highland music influenced everything I ever did musically. Whether you take the high road or the low road, the Hoolie in the Hydro: Local Hero on December 12 will be a special event.”

Hoolie in the Hydro organiser Gary Innes said: “Somehow the fifth Hoolie in the Hydro is on the horizon, and what a cracker it’s going to be!

Musician and Hoolie in the Hydro organiser Gary Innes Corrie Communications

“The story of Local Hero is one of people, place and belonging and that couldn’t be more fitting for these celebrations – we’ll be channelling all of that nostalgia, pride and musical artistry.

“It will be a real privilege to recognise Mark Knopfler’s incredible contribution to Scottish music here in the city of his birth, as well as celebrating our own heroes of the trad scene who have done so much to share the music and inspire new generations.

“Hoolie in the Hydro was created because I believed Scotland’s own music belonged on its biggest stages. Five years on, thanks to the audiences and artists, it feels like Hoolie has become a tradition in its own right, and we can’t wait for another unforgettable night.”

Donnie Munro said: “Scottish music has this extraordinary ability to bring people together. It tells our stories, celebrates our communities and connects generations in a way few things can. It’s a privilege to be a part of the event, and I know this year’s audience is in for a very special night.”

Hoolie in the Hydro: Local Hero will take place on Saturday, December 12 and tickets are on sale now at www.ovohydro.com/events/detail/hoolie-in-the-hydro-2026.