The ceremony, which was in aid of the Nordoff and Robbins music therapy charity, was hosted at The Barrowlands, in Glasgow’s East End, and presented by Edith Bowman.
Sir Elton and his long-time guitarist Davey Johnstone took away top prizes, as did rock royalty The Who and Barbara Dickson.
The Barrowland’s general manager Tom Joyes was also presented with an award for his 38 years of running the venue.
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Sir Elton commended his friend in a message shown to the ceremony, after winning the Specsavers Global Artist Award, saying: “Davey Johnstone… you’re certainly the best guitarist, I think, to ever come out of Scotland, and that’s saying a lot.
“I’ve had the best time playing alongside you… you’re an incredible musician and have been with me for so long. You’ve always inspired me with your brilliance.
“I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more than you and I love you dearly.”
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The Who accepted the Rox – Diamonds & Thrills Icon Award award remotely, with Roger Daltry commending the charity.
Dickson won the SWG3 Outstanding Achievement Award, Bemz won the Blur 69 Vodka Sound of Scotland Award, and Joesef won the PizzaExpress Best Album Award.
Gregson-MacLeod, who started her music career on TikTok, won the Vega Breakthrough Award.
Other winners included Middle of the Road, who won the Raymond Weil Heritage Award, and Callum Beattie, who won the Hard Rock Cafe Breakthrough Award.
DF Concerts also received the OVO Hydro Decade Award, which was accepted by chief executive Geoff Ellis.
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Arlene Stephenson, Specsavers’ Scottish divisional chairwoman, said: “Specsavers is thrilled to sponsor the Scottish Music Awards for a fifth consecutive year as well as the Global Artist Award this year.
“It has been fantastic seeing Scotland’s music industry come together for a celebratory evening in the Barrowland Ballroom while much-needed funds were raised for Nordoff and Robbins – allowing the charity to continue delivering its important music therapy work.
“I would like to congratulate Elton John on scooping the Global Artist Award on the night, a much-deserved win for the Rocket Man.”
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Sandra Schembri, chief executive of Nordoff and Robbins, said: “The 25th Specsavers Scottish Music Awards was a truly special occasion. We are incredibly grateful for the Scottish music industry’s continued support of Nordoff and Robbins, and send our thanks to all the winners and performers who joined us once again at the Barrowlands.
“All the vital funds raised through the SMAs go directly towards our mission of using the power of music to create space for people to express themselves and find connection in society, regardless of disability, illness or social exclusion.”
Edith Bowman added: “It is genuinely awesome to be back at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom. Tonight we are celebrating the wealth of talent in Scotland but not forgetting Nordoff and Robbins music therapy.
“In the current climate, it’s more important than ever.”
