As well as the main album of the year prize, 2026 will also see the return of two supporting awards, the Modern Scottish Classic Award and the Sound of Young Scotland Award.
Modern Scottish Classic Award
Recognising an outstanding album from Scotland’s past which still inspires today.
- Winner chosen by the 20 artists making up The SAY Award Longlist 2026.
- Winner announced in conjunction with The SAY Award Shortlist and The Sound of Young Scotland Award finalists on Thursday 15 October 2026.
- Winning album celebrated at The SAY Award 2026 Ceremony.
- Winner receives a bespoke art prize, created through The SAY Award Design Commission.
The Sound of Young Scotland Award
The Sound of Young Scotland Award – in association with the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland and Youth Music – exists to drive Scottish music of the future; enabling a young and emerging artist to create their debut album.
- Winner chosen by a panel of previous SAY Award nominees.
- Winner announced at The SAY Award Ceremony.
- Winner given a performance slot to showcase at The SAY Award Ceremony 2027.
- Winner receives a funding package to facilitate the creation of their debut album.
Applications for The Sound of Young Scotland Award 2026 open on Friday 31 July. More information (including eligibility criteria, selection process and application specifics) will be published in due course.
Our previous winners include:
2025 - Alice Faye
2024 - Dillon Barrie
2023 - No Windows
2022 - Berta Kennedy
2021 - LVRA
Key Dates
TUESDAY 30 JUNE – THURSDAY 30 JULY 2026
The SAY Award Eligible Albums Submission Period
Artists, industry professionals and music fans can submit eligible albums – free of charge – via the SAY Award submissions page.
FRIDAY 31 JULY – FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2026
The Sound of Young Scotland Award Submission Period
Young and emerging Scottish artists can apply to be considered for the Sound of Young Scotland Award 2026, which offers a funding package to support the creation of a debut album
THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
The SAY Award Longlist Announcement
20 outstanding Scottish albums will be announced as The SAY Award Longlist 2026
SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER – MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2026
The SAY Award Public Vote
A 72-hour public vote at sayaward.com will secure one Longlisted album a place on The SAY Award Shortlist, along with a guaranteed minimum prize of £1,000.
THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER 2026
The following will be revealed three weeks ahead of The SAY Award Ceremony:
The SAY Award Shortlist Announcement
10 SAY Award Shortlisted albums.
The Sound of Young Scotland Award Finalists Announcement
5 Sound of Young Scotland Award Nominees.
Modern Scottish Classic Award Winner Announcement
Winner of the Modern Scottish Classic Award.
THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2026
The SAY Award Ceremony 2026 @ Caird Hall, Dundee
Exclusive winner announcements, special live performances and more.
