As well as the main album of the year prize, 2025 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 2025.
- Winner announced in conjunction with The SAY Award Shortlist and The Sound of Young Scotland Award finalists on Thursday 6 November.
- Winning album celebrated at The SAY Award 2025 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 Help Musicians, Youth Music Initiative 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 2026.
- Winner receives a funding package to facilitate the creation of their debut album.
Applications for The Sound of Young Scotland Award 2025 open on Friday 1 August. More information (including eligibility criteria, selection process and application specifics) will be published in due course.
Our previous winners include:
2024 - Dillon Barrie
2023 - No Windows
2022 - Berta Kennedy
2021 - LVRA
Key Dates
TUESDAY 1 JULY – THURSDAY 31 JULY 2025
The SAY Award eligible albums submission period:
Artists, industry professionals and music fans can submit eligible albums – for free – via our submission page.
FRIDAY 1 AUGUST – FRIDAY 22 AUGUST 2025
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 2025; offering a funding package to facilitate the creation of their debut album
THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2025
The SAY Award Longlist Announcement:
20 outstanding Scottish albums will be announced as The SAY Award Longlist for 2025
MONDAY 13 OCTOBER – WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER 2025
The SAY Award Public Vote:
72-hour public vote at sayaward.com, securing one Longlisted album’s place in the Shortlist along with a guaranteed minimum prize of £1,000.
THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 2025
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
THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2025
The SAY Award Ceremony 2025 @ Caird Hall, Dundee:
Exclusive winner announcements, special live performances and more.
