Scots Language Awards return to Dundee as nominations open for 2026 ceremony
- Andrew Batchelor
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
People across Scotland are being encouraged to celebrate those helping keep the Scots language alive as nominations for the Scots Language Awards 2026 are now open.
The annual awards will return to Discovery Point in Dundee on Saturday 19 September, recognising individuals, organisations and community groups making an outstanding contribution to the promotion and use of the Scots leid.
Now in their eighth year, the awards celebrate the language across a wide range of fields, including education, business, literature, music and theatre. Nominations are open until 9 August.
Organised by Hands Up For Trad, the awards aim to highlight the people and projects ensuring Scots continues to thrive in everyday life. Members of the public are being invited to nominate teachers, performers, businesses and community initiatives that are championing the language.
A new category has also been introduced for 2026, recognising those promoting the Scots language through the media, including social media platforms and the press.
The public will vote to determine the shortlist in nine award categories, while the Scots Champion, Janet Paisley Services to Scots and Young Scots Writer awards will be decided by an independent judging panel.
Simon Thoumire of Hands Up For Trad said the awards are an opportunity to recognise the people helping Scots flourish across the country and encouraged anyone who knows a worthy nominee to put their name forward.
He also praised Dundee as a host city, describing it as a fantastic venue for the event following its previous success.
The ceremony will be hosted by Scots ambassadors Lynne Campbell and Taylor Dyson and will feature performances from singer Iona Fyfe, Shetland writer Yvonne Tait, traditional singer Scott Gardiner and poet Hugh Macmillan.
Partners and sponsors for this year’s awards include the Scottish Government, National Library of Scotland, Education Scotland, Qualifications Scotland, Scottish Book Trust and TRACS.
The Scots Language Awards 2026 will take place at Discovery Point on Saturday 19 September, with nominations remaining open until 9 August.
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