With more than 10,000 public votes and a panel of 21 industry professional judges, the Scottish Alternative Music Awards has announced who came out top in its 16th edition. 

The ceremony, which took place at St Luke’s & The Winged Ox, featured live performances from Glasgow punk duo comfort, SAY Award 2025 winners Kai Reesu, and apocalyptic metal duo Lo Rays, with the night hosted by Stephanie Cheape of BBC Music Introducing in Scotland.

Winners included Loki, writer and rapper Darren McGarvey’s longstanding musical project; subversive electronica act Proc Fiscal; rising indie rockers Waverley; folk act Martha May & The Mondays (pictured above); and more. 

Here’s the full list of winners: 

Best Acoustic sponsored by Musicians’ Union – Miwa Nagato-Apthorp
Best Electronic sponsored by UNESCO Glasgow City Of Music – Proc Fiskal
Best Hip Hop sponsored by Pro Weekend Fest – Loki
Best Live Act sponsored by St Luke’s & The Winged Ox – Waverley
Best Metal sponsored by Drygate – Sixth Wonder
Best Newcomer sponsored by Blackhall Records – Mercy Girl
Best Rock/Alternative sponsored by PRS For Music – Martha May & The Mondays

Richy Muirhead, director of SAMA Events Ltd, said: ‘Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and winners; the energy, community spirit, and support around this year’s list has been incredible. Nights like this demonstrate just how many young, new and established artists across Scotland are making exceptional work and proudly flying the flag for this country. The SAMA nominations continue to be a space for discovery, celebration and a reminder of how much world-class talent is emerging from Scotland. We’re excited to continue championing Scottish talent in 2026 with our SAMA Paisley Takeover in April, followed by our Scottish Showcase at Liverpool Sound City in May, and later PITCH Scotland in September.’

Main picture: Annie Cameron.