Dundee will make history this November as it hosts the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award ceremony for the first time in the event’s 13-year history. The prestigious £20,000 prize ceremony will take place at the city’s landmark Caird Hall, welcoming around 1,500 attendees on 6 November.
The SAY Award, widely regarded as Scotland’s most significant music prize, has previously been held in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Paisley. This year marks the beginning of a three-year residency in Dundee, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to spreading the cultural and economic benefits of the event across the nation.
Robert Kilpatrick, chief executive of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), praised Dundee as a city where “creativity, innovation, and collaboration are deeply embedded.”
He explained that the introduction of a rotating host city in 2016 was designed to broaden the award’s influence and ensure that its impact is felt throughout Scotland. Kilpatrick added that bringing the SAY Award to Dundee has been a long-standing ambition, and the timing now feels ideal.
Last year’s top prize went to Edinburgh-based band Redolent, who will open this year’s ceremony. In addition to the main £20,000 award, nine runners-up will each receive £1,000. Albums eligible for consideration must have been released between 1 June 2024 and 31 May 2025. Submissions are open to artists, labels, and music fans free of charge via the SAY website from 1 July to 31 July.
The SAY Award has also launched a call for local designers to create bespoke trophies for this year’s nominees and winners, further cementing the event’s commitment to supporting Scottish creative industries.
Notable past winners include Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai, Anna Meredith, Fergus McCreadie, and Young Fathers, the only act to have claimed the award three times.
With its vibrant music scene and reputation for innovation, Dundee’s turn in the spotlight is set to be a landmark moment for both the city and Scotland’s music community.
