THE HUNT FOR SCOTLAND’S ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD BEGINS
NEWS | 30th June 2026
Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) have announced that submissions are now open for the 2026 Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, marking a major milestone as the prestigious national music prize celebrates its 15th anniversary.
For the second consecutive year, the glittering finale will return to Dundee’s iconic Caird Hall on Thursday 5th November. Presented again by Vic Galloway and Nicola Meighan, artists, labels, industry professionals, and music fans are invited to submit eligible albums for consideration. In a bid to keep the prize inclusive and accessible to the entire Scottish music ecosystem, all submissions are completely free of charge with the winner walking away with the coveted title and a life-changing £20,000 grand prize.
The SAY Award has grown into one of the most respected highlights of the UK music calendar, and its 15th year promises to be its biggest yet. Attendees will be treated to a stellar lineup of live performances with reigning 2025 Scottish Album of the Year winners Kai Reesu returning to the stage. Joining them will be Sound of Young Scotland Winner, Alice Faye plus more to be announced closer to the event.
The ceremony will also continue its tradition of honouring the past and future of Scottish music, presenting the Modern Scottish Classic Award alongside the Sound of Young Scotland Award, which funds and supports the country’s next generation of emerging talent.
The SAY Award’s impact stretches far beyond the main prize. While the winner takes home £20,000, the remaining nine shortlisted runners-up will each receive £1,000. In tandem with the cash prizes, all ten finalists will receive bespoke trophies created by a local creator through The SAY Award Design Commission, highlighting Dundee’s vibrant wealth of artistic talent.
Submissions are now open and you can check out the full 2026 eligibility criteria, guidelines, and submission forms via the official SAY Award website.
