People across Scotland are being invited to those championing the Scots leid as nominations for the Scots Language Awards 2026 open today, Monday 27 July.
Returning to Dundee’s Discovery Point on Saturday 19 September, the awards recognise the people, organisations and communities that are working to ensure one of Scotland’s indigenous languages continues to flourish in everyday life.
Now in their eighth year, the awards celebrate Scots used in all aspects of society, from education and business to literature, music and theatre, with nominations open until 9 August.
Organisers of the awards, Hands up for Trad, are encouraging the public to nominate those who make an outstanding contribution to the language, including teachers inspiring the next generation, performers putting the language on stage, businesses embracing Scots, and community projects promoting the language.
The public will vote to decide the shortlist for nine categories. The Scots Champion, Janet Paisley Services to Scots and Young Scots Writer awards will be decided by a panel of judges.
Simon Thounire fae award organisers Hands Up For Trad said: “The Scots leid is hail an herty. It is pairt o’ ilkaday life aw ower Scotland. The Scots Language Awards are oor chance tae tak note o the sindrie braw fowk wirkin tae mak shuir that happens , an tae celebrate the diversity and creativity o contemporary Scots culture in aw its forms. If ye ken somebody whaes championin the Scots leid in ony wey, we encourage ye tae pit their name forrit. Ilka nomination helps celebrate the leid and keep it in guid hert. We’re awfy gled to be back in Dundee this year – the city proved tae be sic a brilliant host last time aroon.”
Hosted by Scots ambassadors Lynne Campbell and Taylor Dyson, the ceremony will also feature performances from acclaimed Scots artists including award-winning singer Iona Fyfe, Shetland writer Yvonne Tait, traditional singer Scott Gardiner and poet Hugh Macmillan.
The event’s partners and sponsors 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, Dundee on 19 September. For nominations and tickets visit www.scotslanguageawards.com.