The winner of the 2026 Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award will soon be revealed.
Just ten albums have been selected from the 20-strong longlist announced in September, with final nominees including Boards of Canada, Barry Can’t Swim, and Brìghde Chaimbeul.
This year’s ceremony will take place at Caird Hall in Dundee on Thursday, November 5, with the winner to take home not just the coveted title but also a £20,000 cash prize.
Also to be announced on the night is the winner of the Sound of Young Scotland award, the finalists of which been revealed as heavyskint, Jasmin Jet, LOLA, Niamh Corkey and Nikhita. In addition, Boards of Canada’s will receive the 2026 Modern Scottish Classic Award for their debut album Music Has the Right to Children.
Organised by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), there were 303 albums eligible for the 2026 award. This was then narrowed down by a panel of 100 impartial ‘nominators’ from the music industry and sectors including journalism, music retail, venues and more.
Past SAY Award winners include Young Fathers, Kathryn Joseph, and Mogwai, as well as Kai Reesu, who took home the prize in 2025 and will perform at this year’s ceremony.
Here are all 10 of the 2026 SAY Award nominees.
5. Hen Hoose Collective — The Twelve
A collective of women and non-binary songwriters, the Hen Hoose Collective was founded by Scottish musician Tamara Schlesinger in 2020. Collaborative album The Twelve was written and recorded in just six days at Black Bay Studios on the Isle of Lewis by — fittingly — 12 artists. | Hen Hoose
6. Michael McGovern — Thin White Road
Glasgow-born singer-songwriter Michael McGovern released Thin White Road in September 2025, describing the folk record as a “moment of my life captured in time”. Written across four years, the album was recorded at Black Bay Studios on the Isle of Lewis with single ‘Evelyn’ going viral on social media. | Cauldron Music
7. Sonedo — From Here On Out
Japanese-Scottish producer, pianist and bandleader Soneda’s debut album From Here On Out has also been shortlisted for the 2026 SAY Award. Blending jazz with UK rap, trap, drill and dance music, it comes from the artist’s experiences of both Japan and Scotland. | Rebecca's Records
8. Swim School — Swim School
Edinburgh alternative band Swim School is formed around Alice Johnson, Lewis Bunting, Billy McMahon and Lee Brown, and has become known for their shoegaze, grunge, dream-pop and anthemic indie sound. Swim School released their debut self-titled album last year, following support slots alongside bands such as Biffy Clyro, Suede and Grandson. | LAB Records