Dundee is set to become the epicenter of Scotland’s music scene as the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award announces its new home at the iconic Caird Hall for the next three years, starting with the 2025 ceremony on Thursday, 6 November. This marks the first time the prestigious national music prize will be held outside Scotland’s Central Belt, bringing a fresh spotlight to Dundee’s thriving cultural landscape.
The SAY Award, organized by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), celebrates the diversity and excellence of Scottish music, offering a £20,000 prize for the winning album, alongside the Modern Scottish Classic Award and the Sound of Young Scotland Award, which supports emerging artists with up to £10,000 to create their debut record. The 2025 ceremony will feature live performances, including from 2024 winners rEDOLENT, and will welcome over 1,500 music fans and industry professionals to Caird Hall.
A New Chapter for Dundee’s Cultural Scene
The announcement has generated excitement across the city and beyond. Robert Kilpatrick, CEO of the SMIA, emphasized Dundee’s creative credentials, stating, “Dundee has long been a city we’ve aspired to bring SAY to… a place where creativity, innovation, and collaboration are deeply embedded.” He highlighted the partnership with Leisure & Culture Dundee, V&A Dundee, Dundee City Council, and UNESCO Dundee City of Design as key to amplifying the city’s cultural identity.
Anna Day, Head of Libraries and Culture at Leisure & Culture Dundee, echoed this enthusiasm: “Caird Hall is ready for a bold new chapter. Partnering on The SAY Award marks a major step in our ambition to re-energize what the venue offers to audiences, artists, and partners.” Dundee’s status as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design adds further prestige, with a local designer set to create sustainable, bespoke prizes for the winners through the SAY Award Design Commission, offering a £3,000 fee.
Media Buzz and Local Pride
The move has garnered praise from media outlets. The Courier described it as “a coup for Dundee,” noting that the city’s selection over traditional hosts like Glasgow and Stirling underscores its growing reputation as a cultural powerhouse. The Scotsman highlighted Caird Hall’s storied history, having hosted legends like The Beatles and Bjork, and called the SAY Award’s arrival “a perfect fit for a venue celebrating its centenary in 2023.” Meanwhile, STV News emphasized the economic boost expected from the influx of visitors, with early-bird tickets already on sale via www.sayaward.com.
Local leaders are equally thrilled. Councillor Lynne Short, Dundee City Council’s spokesperson for culture, sport, and history, said, “We have always been a city with a passion for music… This recognizes Dundee’s vibrant music scene, from buskers in the city center to grassroots bands in our pubs.” Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee, added that the Design Commission will showcase Dundee’s creative talent, further cementing its UNESCO status.
What to Expect at the 2025 Ceremony
The SAY Award ceremony promises a vibrant evening, with doors opening at 7:00 PM and the event kicking off at 7:40 PM. Fans can expect a mix of live performances, award presentations, and the announcement of the 2025 Scottish Album of the Year. Accessibility is a priority, with BSL interpretation provided and full venue details available via the Caird Hall Access Guide. The event will be filmed for promotional purposes, and attendees are encouraged to dress smart-casual.
Eligible album submissions open on 1 July 2025, welcoming releases from 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025. Past winners like Young Fathers, Mogwai, and rEDOLENT set a high bar, and this year’s contenders could include albums from Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand, and Tide Lines, among others. The Longlist will be announced on 25 September, followed by a public vote to help determine the Shortlist.
Dundee’s Moment to Shine
As GQ Magazine’s “coolest little city in the UK,” Dundee is poised to make the most of this opportunity. The SAY Award’s arrival aligns with a packed 2025 schedule at Caird Hall, featuring events like Nicola Benedetti’s solo tour, the RSNO’s Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky concerts, and tribute shows for Taylor Swift and Billy Joel. The city’s music scene, from grassroots venues to major festivals, will be further energized by this high-profile event.
For music fans, the SAY Award at Caird Hall offers a chance to celebrate Scotland’s rich musical heritage in a historic venue. Early-bird tickets are available now, and with submissions opening next week, the countdown to 6 November 2025 has officially begun. As Kilpatrick put it, “This promises to be a landmark year for Scottish music, with Dundee at its heart.”
For more details or to purchase tickets, visit www.sayaward.com. To explore Caird Hall’s full event lineup, go to https://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/culture/caird-hall.
