SAY Award nominees pick their favourite albums from the shortlist
The Scottish Album Of The Year Award has been handed out to the diverse likes of Kai Reesu, Kathryn Joseph, Auntie Flo and Mogwai. We asked 2026’s shortlisted acts to nominate the album (other than their own) that they hope will take the prize home
Barry Can't Swim: Loner
Chosen by Conor Goldie of Vlure
All of the nominated Scottish records are incredible, and all have our mutual admiration and respect. I spent a lot of the end of last summer listening to Barry Can’t Swim’s Loner after catching his Park Stage triumph at Glastonbury in 2024. The live orchestral recordings resampled and layered in with his usual genre-spanning electronic productions are incredible. Have listened to ‘Wandering Mt Moon’ on many a walk home through Glasgow.
Boards Of Canada: Inferno
Chosen by Swim School
As fellow Edinburgh artists, Boards Of Canada’s Inferno feels particularly special. After 13 years, they’ve returned with a record that captures evolving soundscapes perfectly. It’s timeless, immersive and could have come from any decade.
Hen Hoose Collective: The Twelve
Chosen by Leah McAleer representing Heir Of The Cursed
Hen Hoose for the win, for sure. Half an hour of perfect pop: passionate and political, with banging tunes and beats. I could happily listen to this album 20 times a day as each time I hear new nuances and textures within it. Hen Hoose bring collaboration and creativity to the heart of the Scottish music scene and well deserve the recognition of the SAY Award.
Brìghde Chaimbeul: Sunwise
Chosen by Michael McGovern
I would love to see Brìghde Chaimbeul’s Sunwise win. It’s so innovative and adventurous, and captures a sound we all know so well as Scots (the pipes) and presents it in a new way. I feel like it mixes traditional and modern elements of Gaelic song and serves it to a whole new audience. It’s also very refreshing to see Gaelic music and culture represented by the SAY Award.
Vlure: Escalate
Chosen by Sonedo
I’d love to see Vlure take home the SAY Award for Escalate. I really admire how they’ve managed to create such a distinctive sound, blending the energy of punk with electronic and rave influences while staying true to their Glasgow roots. We also share a collaborator in Psweatpants, who features on their track ‘Something Real’, so there’s a nice personal connection to the record. It’s bold, exciting and a brilliant example of the creativity coming out of Scotland’s music scene right now.
Heir Of The Cursed: Heir Of The Cursed
Chosen by Tamara Schlesinger of Hen Hoose Collective
I’d love to see Heir Of The Cursed win the SAY Award. Beldina was a founding member of Hen Hoose Collective and I was lucky to see her talent first-hand. Her voice and songwriting were extraordinary. Thanks to her sister Leah, Beldina’s demos have been gathered together to create this album; it’s raw, beautiful and intimate, and an essential listen.
Brìghde Chaimbeul
Heir Of The Cursed is heartbreaking and beautiful to listen to. It deserves the recognition of the SAY Award.
Vagrant Real Estate
The shortlist is full of incredible albums, but the one that stands out for me is Heir Of The Cursed. The level of artistry and raw emotion captured across that project is something that you rarely come across, and lingers with you long after each listen. I think it’s a shining example of a singular talent who is sorely missed.
Check out all the SAY Award shortlisted albums at the SAY Award website; main picture: Michael McGovern / Sarah Ploss.