Dundee is turning up the volume — and trust us, you’re going to want to be here for it.
We’re thrilled to announce that the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award — the country’s biggest celebration of musical talent — is heading to our city for the very first time. That’s right: for the next three years, the SAY Awards will call Caird Hall home, and we’re positively buzzing about it.
This isn’t just a gig. It’s a huge cultural win — and yet another reason why Dundee deserves a prime spot on your Scottish bucket list.
Music Meets the Tay: Why This Is a Big Deal
Hosted in Scotland’s Central Belt since 2012, the SAY Award is like the BRITs, but cooler, more creative, and with a strong Scottish accent. Past winners include Young Fathers, Sacred Paws, and Dundee’s very own rEDOLENT, who’ll be opening this year’s event.
And now, thanks to a shiny new three-year partnership with Leisure & Culture Dundee, V&A Dundee, and UNESCO City of Design, the award is headed north-east — to a city known for bold ideas, bright talent, and the best waterfront view in the UK (we said what we said).
The Caird Hall Reimagined
On November 20, 2025, Caird Hall will host its first SAY Award ceremony — reintroducing this iconic venue to a new generation of music fans. Yes, it already has an impressive classical programme, but now it’s getting loud, proud, and gloriously indie.
“It’s a really big deal for us,” says Anna Day, head of cultural services at Leisure & Culture Dundee. “The Caird Hall is one of the best venues in the UK. Let’s use it every single way we can.”
Couldn’t agree more, Anna.
Why You’ll Want to Be Here
If you’re planning a visit for the SAY Awards (and honestly, you should), here’s just a taste of what else awaits in our ever-vibrant city:
Catch a gig in one of Dundee’s buzzing live music venues, or dig through vinyl gold at one of our thriving record shops.
Explore the V&A Dundee — Scotland’s design museum — and check out exhibitions that are as bold and beautiful as the building itself.
Refuel at one of our indie cafés, gastropubs or waterfront restaurants. From Michelin-guide bites to Tunnock’s Tea Cakes in a heritage café, we’ve got it all.
Shop local at one of Dundee’s designer-maker stores or pick up a piece from a SAY Award trophy designer (yes, we’re letting local creatives design the actual awards!).
Wander up the Law, stroll along the riverfront, or explore our green spaces. You’ll work up a healthy appetite for that post-gig pizza.
A City of Sound and Soul
The SAY Awards coming to Dundee isn’t just a moment — it’s a movement. It puts our creative scene on the map, supports our homegrown talent, and invites music lovers everywhere to come and experience what makes our city sing.
As rEDOLENT frontman Robin Herbert puts it:
“It felt like a thumbs up from the world.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
🎟️ Plan Your Visit
🎫 Early bird tickets for the SAY Award ceremony on November 20, 2025, are available now.
📅 Nominations open July 1 — follow @SAYaward and @VisitDundee for updates!
🏨 Need a place to stay? From boutique hotels to comfy B&Bs, we’ve got your perfect post-gig pillow.
🎧 Explore Dundee while you’re here — discover our guide to music, culture, and craic.
Dundee’s time is now. Come for the music. Stay for the magic.
With thanks to The Courier and original reporting by Rebecca Baird & Dylan Lockhart (DC Thomson).
