(Image: SAY Awards)
The shortlist has been announced for the Scottish Album of the Year Award, including the comeback album by Boards of Canada.
Now in its 15th year, the ceremony will take place at Dundee's Caird Hall on November 5.
The shortlist for the coveted Album of the Year has been whittled down to 10, with one chosen by public vote and the other chosen by the SAY Award judging panel.
Michael McGovern's Thin White Road won the public vote and he's joined on the list by the likes of Vlure, Swim School and Barry Can't Swim.
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Also featured is Inferno, the comeback album by electronic duo Boards of Canada, with albums from Brìghde Chaimbeul, Heir of the Cursed, Hen Hoose Collective, Sonedo, and Vagrant Real Estate completing the list.
All Shortlisted artists have won a minimum prize of £1,000, with the winner of The SAY Award receiving the coveted title of Scottish Album of the Year along with a prize of £20,000.
Boards of Canada will also be honoured for their debut album, Music Has the Right to Children winning the Modern Scottish Classic award.
The five Sound of Young Scotland finalists have also been revealed as: heavyskint, Jasmin Jet, LOLA, Niamh Corkey and Nikhita.
Robert Kilpatrick, CEO and Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) said, “Congratulations to all ten Shortlisted artists, as well as our five Sound of Young Scotland finalists and this year’s Modern Scottish Classic Award winner – Boards of Canada’s ‘Music Has The Right To Children’. The strength and diversity of this collective output reflects a music community that continues to evolve, take risks and find new ways to connect. Each artist and record brings a distinctive voice to Scotland’s cultural identity, and together they remind us why music continues to be such an invaluable national asset.
“That value is at the heart of the Scottish Music Industry Roadmap 2026–30, which the SMIA published last week. Its eight national priorities share an ambition that has long driven The SAY Award: to ensure that the talent and creativity we celebrate are matched by the support and opportunities needed to sustain them.
"Behind these albums are people, businesses and music communities whose work enriches our lives and connects Scotland with the world. The SAY Award exists to support and champion that work, investing directly in artists and helping their music reach new audiences. We’re grateful to all our partners for continuing to make this possible.
“With just three weeks until we return to Dundee’s Caird Hall on Thursday 5 November, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our 15th year with a night of outstanding live music and the announcement of this year’s SAY Award winner. Final tickets are on sale now – we hope you can join us.”
SAY Award 2026 shortlistBarry Can't Swim * Loner*
Boards of Canada * Inferno*
Brìghde Chaimbeul * Sunwise*
Heir of the Cursed * Heir of the Cursed*
Hen Hoose Collective * The Twelve*
Michael McGovern * Thin White Road*
Sonedo * From Here On Out*
Vagrant Real Estate * Neither Collar Nor Crown*
Vlure * ESCALATE*