Manson Grant in running for top country music awards

The Dynamos pictured in March 1968, when the 'Daily Record' named them as one of Scotland’s top-10 bands (from left): Benny Macdonald, Graham Begg, Robert Cameron, James Macbeath and Frankie Sutherland.

WELL-known Caithness musician Manson Grant has been short-listed in four categories in this year’s annual European Country Music Association (ECMA) awards.

The Wick-based leader of Manson Grant & The Dynamos is honoured to be rubbing shoulders with international country stars.

He is one of the 10 nominations for European entertainer of the year while his CD, A Tribute to Buck Owens, is in the running for the European album of the year.

One of the tracks from that compilation, “We were Made for Each Other”, which reached number two in the ECMA charts last summer, is short-listed for the European song of the year.

“Christmas Polka” has, meanwhile, been nominated for the Christmas song of the year.

The Dynamos, formed as a six-piece 48 years ago, have won over 100 awards and trophies over the years.

One of their treasured accolades came back in March 1968 when the Daily Record voted them one of Scotland’s top-10 bands.

Members currently comprise Mr Grant, founder member Robert Cameron, Keith Macleod and new member Brandon McPhee.