KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
Article Source: SAY Award
Last Updated: 19 October 2025 11:14
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as this year’s five Sound of Young Scotland finalists. Plus, KT Tunstall’s debut album ‘Eye to the Telescope’ is announced as this year’s Modern Scottish Classic Award winner, with the singer-songwriter set to celebrate the win with a special live performance at the SAY Award Ceremony in Dundee next month.
The SAY Award 2025 Shortlist, in alphabetical order, is:
Brooke Combe Dancing At The Edge Of The World
Cloth Pink Silence
Hamish Hawk A Firmer Hand
Jacob Alon In Limerence
Kai Reesu KOMPROMAT vol. I
Kathryn Joseph WE WERE MADE PREY.
Matt Carmichael Dancing with Embers
TAAHLIAH Gramarye
The Joy Hotel Ceremony
Zoe Graham TENT
Brooke Combe’s ‘Dancing At The Edge Of The World’ won the public vote, where music fans had 72 hours to ‘have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Longlisted album to secure a place on the Shortlist. The 9 remaining Shortlisted albums were chosen by The SAY Award judging panel.
The Modern Scottish Classic Award, presented by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), is an annual recognition of an iconic album from Scotland’s past that still inspires today. The winner of the award was voted for by 2025’s Longlisted artists, with KT Tunstall’s ‘Eye to the Telescope’ (2004) named this year’s Modern Scottish Classic. The singer-songwriter will celebrate the award win with a special live performance at this year’s SAY Award Ceremony at Dundee’s Caird Hall on 6th November, with tickets on sale now at www.sayaward.com.
The five finalists for The Sound of Young Scotland Award (supported by Help Musicians, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland and Youth Music) have also been announced. The award aims to stimulate and support the future of Scottish music, offering a funding package worth up to £10,000 to a young and emerging Scottish artist to assist them in creating their debut album. 2025’s Sound of Young Scotland finalists are: Aleena, Alice Faye, GAÏA, Rahul.mp3 and Tarran.
Robert Kilpatrick, CEO and Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) said, “Congratulations to the 10 incredible albums on 2025’s SAY Award Shortlist, as well as to our five Sound of Young Scotland Award finalists and this year’s Modern Scottish Classic Award winner – KT Tunstall’s iconic and much-loved debut record, ‘Eye To The Telescope’.
“As we now quickly approach next month’s Ceremony at Dundee’s Caird Hall, we’re looking forward to celebrating Scottish music’s bright future, rich past and invaluable present. We couldn’t be more delighted to have KT Tunstall join a stellar bill of performing artists, including 2024 SAY Award winners redolent, plus Brooke Combe, corto.alto and Dillon Barrie.
“Scottish music truly is the soundtrack and stories of our lives. We hope you can join us to celebrate it on Thursday 6 November, and we couldn’t be more excited for The SAY Award to make its debut in our new home of Dundee.”
KT Tunstall, winner of 2025’s Modern Scottish Classic Award said, “I am so grateful these deeply personal songs that I recorded and shaped with Steve Osborne in such a stripped back, blues-inspired way still resonate with people 20 years later. Scotland’s incredible musical output continues to inspire me, and I am very proud to see my debut album join the phenomenal lineage of Scottish music recognised by the Modern Scottish Classic Award and the Scottish Music Industry Association.”
2025’s SAY Award Shortlist, Modern Scottish Classic Award winner and Sound of Young Scotland finalists will be celebrated at this year’s Ceremony. One of the biggest nights in Scottish music, the Ceremony takes place outside the Central Belt for the first time ever, at Dundee’s Caird Hall on 6th November. With performances from KT Tunstall, Brooke Combe, corto.alto, Dillon Barrie and rEDOLENT, it is set to be an outstanding celebration of Scottish music past, present and future.
The Modern Scottish Classic Award, presented by the SMIA, is annually selected by the 20 artists on The SAY Award Longlist. All 20 artists submit their top 5 Scottish albums which pre-date the inception of The SAY Award (2011), and continue to inspire to this day.
KT Tunstall’s debut album ‘Eye to the Telescope’ is the fifth recipient of the award, in a year which has also seen the Edinburgh-born, multi-platinum singer-songwriter celebrate the 20th anniversary of the record, with an upcoming re-issue at the end of this month.
The album catapulted KT Tunstall into the global spotlight with career defining moments including an iconic performance of ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’ on Later…with Jools Holland, and ‘Suddenly I See’ as a full length feature in the opening of blockbuster film The Devil Wears Prada. Having recently been awarded an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection, KT Tunstall is one of Scotland’s most successful exports with 8 critically acclaimed albums and world tours under her belt.
Each year, the Sound of Young Scotland finalists are chosen by a panel of former SAY Award nominees with 2025’s judging panel including: Bee Asha, Liam Shortall (corto.alto), Ross Leighton (Fatherson), Lucia Fairfull (Lucia & the Best Boys), Robin Herbert (redolent) and more. The panel whittled down 100 eligible applications to this year’s five finalists, with the winner set to be announced at the Ceremony.
The winning package includes; cash grants totalling £6,000 to cover studio and production costs,, a performance slot at 2026’s SAY Award Ceremony, up to 250 vinyl pressings of their debut album from Seabass Vinyl, a bespoke art prize from The SAY Award Design Commission, and more.
Morag Macdonald, YMI Manager at Creative Scotland said, “The Sound of Young Scotland Award shines a light on the vibrant future of music in this country. Creative Scotland, through the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, is proud to support an award that will help boost the career of an exciting, emerging Scottish artist at a vital stage in their career. Music plays such an important role in the lives and learning of young people, and I hope that other young musicians will also be inspired by the success of this year's finalists.”
The SAY Award is a Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) production. The SAY Award 2025 is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, Leisure & Culture Dundee, V&A Dundee, Dundee City Council, UNESCO Dundee City of Design, Seabass Vinyl, PPL, HMV, FOPP, Help Musicians, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, Youth Music, 71 Brewing, Bon Accord, Apex Hotels, Malmaison and Music Declares Emergency. The project is part-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Previous winners of The SAY Award include; redolent ‘dinny greet’ (2024), Young Fathers ‘Heavy Heavy’ (2023), Fergus McCreadie ‘Forest Floor’ (2022), Mogwai ‘As The Love Continues' (2021), Nova ‘Re-Up’ (2020), Auntie Flo ‘Radio Highlife’ (2019), Young Fathers ‘Cocoa Sugar’ (2018), Sacred Paws ‘Strike A Match’ (2017), Anna Meredith ‘Varmints’ (2016), Kathryn Joseph ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ (2015), Young Fathers ‘Tape Two’ (2014), RM Hubbert ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ (2013) and the inaugural winner Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat ‘Everything’s Getting Older’ (2012).
SAY Award Ceremony tickets on sale via www.sayaward.com £28 + booking fee
Don’t miss The SAY Award 2025 news - follow the award on social media across Instagram @sayaward, Facebook @SAYaward , TikTok @thesayaward and X @SAYaward
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
No tricks, just treats at Thistles Stirling this Halloween
Thistles, Stirling is set to host a spooky spectacular at the shopping centre this October half term.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Local sporting heroes back Stirling campaign to get more women and girls active
Some of Stirling’s sporting heroes, including an Olympic champion and a World Championships silver medallist, are supporting a drive to get more local women and girls active.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORE
Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge
Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORE
Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue
Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MORE
Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween
Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORE
Arnprior Farm Celebrates 10 Years of Original Pumpkin Patch
Arnprior Farm is marking 10 years of pumpkin picking with its biggest ever patch and the launch of a once-in-a-lifetime Golden Ticket competition.
READ MORE
SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MORE
Stirling celebrates naval links as HMS Stirling Castle prepares to sail
The maritime links between Stirling and the Royal Navy have been celebrated with the naming of a ship in honour of the city’s most iconic landmark.
READ MORE
Secret New Tours at Stirling Castle offer behind the scenes access
Secret Stirling Tours – a new bespoke tour of Stirling Castle – launches today (Monday 15 September) giving visitors exclusive access to areas of the site that are normally closed to the public.
READ MORE
Local runner swaps sneakers for shackles in spooky Stirling shopping centre sleepover
A Stirling local is set to spend the night in one of the city’s most unusual, and eerie, locations to raise vital funds for children across the world.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORE
Find your next business opportunity at Forth Valley Meet the Real Buyer event
Local businesses and social enterprises across the Forth Valley are being invited to explore supply chain opportunities in a free-to-attend event at Alloa Town Hall.
READ MORE
Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.
READ MORE
Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie
Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links