The latest winners of the 2026 GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards have been revealed, with Scottish rock legends Big Country, Grammy-winning songwriter Graham Lyle, electronic folk duo Valtos, rising country star Rianne Downey, breakthrough artist Jacob Alon and emerging singer-songwriter Kerr Mercer among the latest names set to be honoured.
They join previously announced winners David Byrne, Susan Boyle, The Fratellis and Cammy Barnes, with celebrated Scottish actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli confirmed as this year’s host on 7 November and rising pop talent Abbie Gordon set to open the ceremony.
Held in aid of music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins, the Scottish Music Awards have raised more than £1m for the charity since launching in 1999, helping support people living with life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation.
Graham Lyle will receive the Eventos Music Industry Award, celebrating a remarkable songwriting career spanning six decades. The Largs-born musician co-wrote Tina Turner’s global hits ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, ‘We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)’ and ‘Typical Male’, winning a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1985.
One half of celebrated duo Gallagher and Lyle, his songs have been recorded by artists including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York.
Speaking about the award, Lyle said: “I’ve been fortunate to spend my life doing something I love, and to see songs I’ve written reach people all over the world. Being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York earlier this year was a tremendous honour, and to now receive this recognition here in Scotland means a great deal to me. I grew up in Largs, and Scotland will always be home. I’ve worked with some extraordinary people over the years, and I’m very grateful to everyone who has been part of that journey.
“It’s particularly pleasing to receive an award that recognises songwriting, because the song itself has always been at the heart of everything I’ve done.”
Big Country will receive the Drygate Outstanding Achievement Award celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Scotland’s most iconic rock bands. Formed in Dunfermline in the early 1980s, the band took their unmistakable guitar-driven sound around the world, with their debut album ‘The Crossing’ selling more than two million copies and earning three Grammy nominations.
Their follow-up ‘Steeltown’ stormed straight to No. 1 in the UK, while anthems including ‘In a Big Country’, ‘Fields of Fire’ and ‘Look Away’ became international favourites. Having shared stages with David Bowie, the Rolling Stones and Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Big Country remain one of Scotland’s most celebrated musical exports.
“It is an honour to be associated with Nordoff and Robbins. Along with Guitar Guitar, I would like to thank them on behalf of the group for this award.” Tony, Stuart, Mark, Bruce. Big Country.
Valtos will receive the P&J Live Sound of Scotland Award, recognising the Skye duo’s exhilarating fusion of traditional Scottish music and electronica. Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald have enjoyed a landmark year, releasing their acclaimed new album ‘The Last Light’, selling out Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom and performing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Blending club-ready beats with Gaelic song, fiddle and pipes, the duo have become one of Scotland’s most exciting live acts.
Valtos, said: “It’s an absolute privilege and life highlight for the both of us to be awarded the Sound of Scotland 2026. This has been the biggest of our career to date, and to finish it with such an accolade really makes us proud to be Scottish. If there’s one thing we’ve done this year, while selling out our debut Barrowlands show, to opening for the rugby at Murrayfield, or taking to the stage for the Commonwealth games, it’s that we have always put the music and culture we know best at the front. Traditional Music and Gaelic song are dear to us, and we have also tried to push it to as many new people as possible, and while we never do this in search of recognition, it’s wonderful that we are are officially considered in the same bracket as some of the peers we’ve looked up to since the beginning.”
Rianne Downey will receive the Royal Highland Centre Evolution Award, following a breakthrough period for the Bellshill-born singer-songwriter. Blending country and folk influences, Downey has reached new audiences touring and performing at Glastonbury with Paul Heaton. Her debut album ‘The Consequence of Love’, released on 17 October, was recorded in Seattle with Grammy-winning producer Ryan Hadlock, marking a major milestone for one of Scotland’s rising musical talents.
Callum Beattie will receive the AC Hotel Best Album Award for ‘INDI’, his first fully independent album, released in January 2026. The Musselburgh-born singer-songwriter has built a loyal Scottish following through his emotionally charged songwriting and live performances, with the 12-track record featuring songs including ‘Two Pretenders’, ‘Sound of Sirens’ and ‘Always Rains in Glasgow’.
Speaking on the award win Callum Beattie, said: “INDI is my first truly independent record - we did all of it on our own, and that makes winning this award all the more sweet. Thank you”
Jacob Alon will receive the ROX Breakthrough Award, following a remarkable rise for the Fife-born singer-songwriter. Their acclaimed debut album ‘In Limerence’ was shortlisted for the 2025 Mercury Prize, while recognition as BBC Introducing Artist of the Year in 2025 and the 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice winner has established Alon as one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists.
Kerr Mercer will receive the Barrowland Ballroom Spotlight Award, recognising the growing success of the Scottish singer-songwriter. Building a following through his distinctive songwriting and live performances, Mercer has emerged as one of the country’s promising new talents, with his recent touring activity helping introduce his music to wider audiences.
Gary Innes will receive the SEC Promoter Award in recognition of his work bringing Hoolie in the Hydro to Glasgow’s OVO Hydro. The acclaimed accordionist, broadcaster and musician has helped bring traditional Scottish music to one of the country’s biggest stages, with Hoolie in the Hydro celebrating the energy and appeal of Scotland’s thriving folk and trad scene. The event has become a major fixture in Scotland’s live music calendar, bringing together some of the country’s best-loved traditional acts.