Martyn Bennett’s final studio album ‘Grit’ is to be the recipient of 2024’s Modern Scottish Classic Award

The award, from the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), will be presented at the Scottish Album of the Year ceremony at Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24 October.

Voted for by the 20 artists that made up this year’s SAY Award Longlist, the annual recognition of an iconic album from Scotland’s past that still inspires today will focus on the 2003 long-player Bennet which, in a pioneering piece of Celtic fusion, saw Bennett expertly blend Scottish traditional music and singers with cutting edge electronica and dance beats.

Bennett’s fifth album was released a little over a year before he passed away, aged 33, from Hodgkins Lymphoma, with which he battled throughout the making of the album, undergoing extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as a bone marrow transplant. No longer able to play instruments himself, ‘Grit’ was his sole artistic outlet.

The award was voted for by 2024’s 20 Longlisted artists, each submitting their top 5 albums which pre-date the inception of The SAY Award in 2011. Previous recipients have included Cocteau Twins’ ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ and Paolo Nutini’s ‘These Streets’.

BJ Stewart, one of the founding members of the Martyn Bennett Trust and Martyn’s close friend and photographer, said: “The Martyn Bennett Trust is deeply honoured that Grit has been awarded the 2024 Modern Scottish Classic Award. This recognition is especially meaningful coming from fellow artists across Scotland’s diverse music scene, reflecting the enduring impact of Martyn’s work.

“‘Grit’ unites ancient and modern sounds, blending traditions with contemporary influences and championing marginalised voices. We are thrilled that ‘Grit’ continues to inspire and influence musicians from so many different genres and backgrounds, much as Martyn himself sought to unite those elements in his work.

“This award reaffirms his vision of music as a force for connection and unity, as relevant today as it was in 2003. We are incredibly grateful to the Scottish Music Industry Association, The SAY Award nominees, and everyone who continues to celebrate Martyn’s music. Thank you.”

SAY Award Ceremony tickets are on sale now via www.sayaward.com at £18 + booking fee.