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.
9. Vagrant Real Estate — Neither Collar Nor Crown
From Aberdeen, music producer and DJ Vagrant Real Estate released the LP Neither Collar Nor Crown in late 2025. The album features English and Gaelic lyrics, artists including Iona Fyfe and Bemz, as well as choir vocals, spoken word and more. | Camorra Sound
10. Vlure — ESCALATE
Glasgow industrial rockers Vlure released their debut album ESCALATE last September. Formed of Hamish Hutcheson, Alex Pearson, Conor Goldie, Niall Goldie and Carlo Kriekaard, the record is about the band’s hometown. | Music For Nations (Sony Music)