Malinky, a Scottish folk band specializing in Scots song, was formed in autumn 1998. The group's original members include Karine Polwart, Steve Byrne, Mark Dunlop, and Kit Patterson. The band's first performance was at Edinburgh Folk Club in 1998. Within six months, Malinky won a Danny Award for new talent at Glasgow's Celtic Connections festival and signed to Greentrax Recordings. Their debut album Last Leaves was released in 2000. In 2005, following personnel changes, Malinky released The Unseen Hours. Their 2008 album Flower & Iron was praised by critics. The band won Scottish Folk Band of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in December 2010. After a hiatus from June 2011, Malinky returned to performing in January 2013.
