Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – Live Final Event 2025

Background & History

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, launched in 2012 by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) with Creative Scotland, is Scotland’s national music prize, celebrating outstanding albums by Scottish artists across all genres. Held annually, the 2025 ceremony marks its debut at Dundee’s Caird Hall, following three years in Stirling (2022–2024) and earlier events in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Paisley. The award promotes cultural identity, civic pride, and musical discovery, with a £20,000 prize for the winner and £1,000 for each of nine runners-up.

Two supporting awards, the Modern Scottish Classic Award (recognizing a historic Scottish album) and the Sound of Young Scotland Award (funding a debut album for emerging artists), enhance its impact. Past winners include Young Fathers (three-time winner), Mogwai, Kathryn Joseph, and 2024’s rEDOLENT. The 2025 event, supported by Leisure & Culture Dundee, V&A Dundee, and UNESCO Dundee City of Design, expects 1,500 attendees.

Event Highlights

• SAY Award Ceremony: 6 November 2025, 7:40 PM–10:00 PM (doors 7:00 PM), Caird Hall, Dundee, $12–$25 USD (TBD). Features live performances (including 2024 winners rEDOLENT), announcement of the 2025 Scottish Album of the Year (£20,000 prize), Modern Scottish Classic Award, and Sound of Young Scotland Award (£10,000 funding package).
• Live Performances: Artists TBD, but expect diverse acts from the 2025 Shortlist (e.g., genres like hip-hop, rock, folk, jazz, based on 2024 Shortlist: Arab Strap, Barry Can’t Swim, corto.alto).
• Awards Presentations:
  • Scottish Album of the Year: Chosen by a judging panel from a 10-album Shortlist, with one spot secured via public vote (13–15 October 2025).
  • Modern Scottish Classic Award: Selected by the 20 Longlist artists, announced 16 October 2025.
  • Sound of Young Scotland Award: Five finalists announced 16 October 2025; winner revealed at the ceremony, receiving funding and a 2026 performance slot.
• Design Commission: Bespoke trophies crafted by a Dundee designer, highlighting the city’s UNESCO City of Design status.

City

• Dundee: Scotland’s UNESCO City of Design, known for its cultural vibrancy, industrial heritage, and landmarks like V&A Dundee and RRS Discovery. Located on the River Tay, 90 minutes from 90% of Scotland’s population.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venue: Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee, DD1 3BB, Scotland.
• Administrative Contact: Scottish Album of the Year Award, info@sayaward.com.
• Note: Full venue details at www.sayaward.com.

Date & Duration

• Date: 6 November 2025.
• Duration: One evening (7:00 PM–10:00 PM, ceremony starts 7:40 PM).
• Opening Times: Doors 7:00 PM; event 7:40 PM–10:00 PM.
• Note: Times confirmed per check www.sayaward.com for updates.

Venue / Location

• Caird Hall: A historic concert venue in Dundee’s city centre, hosting music legends like The Beatles and Björk. Features step-free access, accessible toilets, and hearing loops. Limited parking; Blue Badge spaces bookable via info@sayaward.com. BSL interpretation provided; full accessibility details via Caird Hall Access Guide (www.leisureandculturedundee.com).

Contact Information

• Email: info@sayaward.com (general, ticketing, accessibility).
• Phone: Not listed; use email or www.sayaward.com contact form.
• Website: www.sayaward.com (main, ticketing, programme, public vote).
• Social Media: Follow @TheSAYAward on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram; updates at www.sayaward.com.
• Ticketing: Early bird tickets via www.dundeebox.co.uk (from July 2025, following Longlist announcement on 25 September 2025). General sale post-25 September 2025.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Early bird tickets available July 2025 via www.dundeebox.co.uk; general sale from 25 September 2025. Refunds per Dundee Box Office policies (TBD at www.sayaward.com). Booking fees (~£1 ≈ $1.22 USD) may apply. Contact info@sayaward.com for groups or accessibility.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.22 USD):
  • Early Bird: £10 ≈ $12 USD (speculative, based on).
  • General Sale: £15–£20 ≈ $18–$25 USD (speculative, based on provided document and past events).
  • Concessions: Discounts for students/seniors TBD ($10–$20 USD).
• Additional Notes: Prices speculative, based on 2024 and provided document; 2025 prices TBD July 2025 at www.sayaward.com. Dress code: smart-casual. Filming/photography for promotional use.

Cultural Significance

The SAY Award celebrates Scotland’s diverse music scene, recognizing albums across genres like hip-hop, rock, folk, and jazz, without regard for sales or label affiliation. It fosters national pride, inspires young musicians, and enhances Scotland’s global musical reputation. The 2025 Dundee hosting, a first, aligns with the city’s UNESCO City of Design status, with local designers crafting trophies. The Modern Scottish Classic and Sound of Young Scotland Awards amplify historical and emerging talent, driving cultural and economic impact.

Food & Drinks

• Caird Hall: Limited on-site refreshments (drinks/snacks, $5–$10 USD, card-only). No alcohol permitted.
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Flame Tree Café (V&A Dundee, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Bach (Scottish, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Counting House (pub, $5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at nearby pubs; no alcohol at Caird Hall.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Suitable for ages 14+ (due to evening event and live music). No specific family activities; parental discretion advised.
• Accessibility:
  • Step-free access throughout Caird Hall.
  • Blue Badge parking (book via info@sayaward.com).
  • Accessible toilets and hearing loops are available.
  • BSL interpretation provided for the ceremony.
  • Assistance animals welcome; contact info@sayaward.com for accommodations.
  • Full details via Caird Hall Access Guide (www.leisureandculturedundee.com).

Getting There

• By Air: Dundee Airport (DND, 3 miles, 10-minute drive to Caird Hall); Edinburgh Airport (EDI, 50 miles, 90-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Dundee Railway Station (90 minutes from Glasgow/Edinburgh/Aberdeen, $10–$30 USD, 5-minute walk to Caird Hall). Check www.scotrail.co.uk.
  • Bus: Ember electric buses from Edinburgh/Glasgow/Perth to Dundee city centre ($2–$10 USD, free for under 22s/over 60s with Scottish bus pass). Xplore Dundee buses (e.g., 5, 17) stop near City Square (2-minute walk).
• By Car: Limited parking at Caird Hall ($5–$10 USD); Blue Badge spaces (book via info@sayaward.com). Nearby multi-storey at Gellatly Street (5-minute walk).
• By Coach: Pre-book parking via info@sayaward.com (24-hour notice).
• By Bike/Foot: 5-minute walk from Dundee Station; bike rentals at Dundee Cycle Hub ($10–$20 USD/day).
• By Taxi: Dundee Taxis (+44 1382 606060, $5–$10 USD).
• Rideshare: Uber ($5–$10 USD within Dundee).

Program Details

• Key Dates:
  • 1–31 July 2025: Eligible album submissions (free via www.sayaward.com).
  • 1–22 August 2025: Sound of Young Scotland Award applications.
  • 25 September 2025: Longlist announcement (20 albums).
  • 13–15 October 2025: Public vote for Shortlist (72 hours, www.sayaward.com).
  • 16 October 2025: Shortlist (10 albums), Sound of Young Scotland finalists (5 artists), and Modern Scottish Classic winner announced.
• Ceremony (6 November 2025):
  • 7:00 PM: Doors open.
  • 7:40 PM–10:00 PM: Live performances (e.g., rEDOLENT, Shortlist artists TBD), Scottish Album of the Year announcement (£20,000), Sound of Young Scotland winner announcement (£10,000), trophy presentations.
• Note: Performers speculative, based on 2024 (rEDOLENT) and Shortlist trends (). Full programme TBD October 2025 at www.sayaward.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: rEDOLENT (winner), performances at Stirling’s Albert Halls.
• Historical: Young Fathers (three-time winner), Mogwai, Kathryn Joseph, Fergus McCreadie, Anna Meredith.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco Practices: Encourages public transport (e.g., Ember buses, ScotRail). Digital tickets via www.dundeebox.co.uk; recycling at Caird Hall. Aligns with Dundee’s UNESCO City of Design sustainability goals. Full 2025 details TBD at www.sayaward.com.
• Fair Work: Supports fair pay per SMIA policies.

Educational Impact

• Sound of Young Scotland Award: Funds emerging artists’ debut albums, with past winners like Dillon Barrie (2024) and LVRA (2021). Applications open 1 August 2025.
• Public Engagement: Public vote (13–15 October 2025) encourages music discovery.
• Cultural Talks: Ceremony includes artist insights, fostering learning.

Cultural Activities

• Live Performances: 6 November, 7:40 PM, featuring Shortlist artists and rEDOLENT, showcasing Scotland’s musical diversity.
• Awards Ceremony: Announcements of Scottish Album of the Year, Sound of Young Scotland, and trophy presentations.
• Design Commission: Dundee-designed trophies highlight music-art connections.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Early bird tickets from July 2025 via www.dundeebox.co.uk; accommodation is scarce in November. Book via www.visitscotland.com.
• Weather Prep: November (40–50°F, rainy); pack waterproofs, warm layers.
• Explore Locally: V&A Dundee ($10 USD, 5-minute walk), The McManus ($5 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Public Transport: ScotRail smartcard ($5 USD); Ember smartcard ($5 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.sayaward.com; no dedicated app.

Local Attractions

• V&A Dundee: Scotland’s design museum ($10 USD, 5-minute walk).
• The McManus: Art and history galleries ($5 USD, 5-minute walk).
• RRS Discovery: Historic ship ($15 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Dundee Contemporary Arts: Art and cinema ($5–$10 USD, 5-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: Malmaison Dundee ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Duntrune House ($80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• Airbnb: City centre flats ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months for November; check www.visitscotland.com.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Caird Hall; Ninewells Hospital (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at the entrance; no large bags.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks. Full 2025 details TBD at www.sayaward.com.
• Safeguarding: Per SMIA policies at www.sayaward.com.