Scottish winner of BBC award for undiscovered talent named at Glasgow final

Five emerging artists, Katie Nicoll, Riley, J Wax, Lo Rays and Ms Faye, from Glasgow, made it to this year’s final, representing a diverse mix of genres from across Scotland’s thriving music scene.

The Scottish Act of the Year is part of the BBC Introducing series, where Fife singer songwriter Jacob Alon won the UK-wide award last year, becoming the first Scottish artist to do so. He has since gone on to be nominated for the Mercury Prize and Scottish Album of the Year Award, and won the Critics' Choice Award at the Brit Awards 2026.

The finalists took to the stage at Saint Luke’s, Glasgow, on Tuesday night, performing in front of a live audience and an expert panel of judges to compete for the title.

BBC Introducing is dedicated to supporting unsigned, undiscovered, and under-the-radar UK music talent.

This year’s judging panel brought together voices from across the Scottish music industry, including singer and presenter Shereen Cutkelvin, musician Hamish Hawk, international DJ Ewan McVicar and Anna Shields of Dead Pony, who had the difficult task of selecting a winner from an exceptionally strong shortlist.

The final was hosted by Stephanie Cheape and Phoebe Inglis-Holmes, presenters of BBC Introducing in Scotland, which champions the most exciting emerging artists and provides a vital platform for new music talent.

Winner Ms Faye said: “I genuinely can’t believe it and am so, so over the moon to be BBC Introducing’s Scottish Act of the Year 2026. This gal is on cloud 9! Thank you so, so much for this fabulous honour, my year has been truly made.”

She has previously won the 2025 Sound of Young Scotland Award, which provides funding for her debut album and was named Best Acoustic Act at the 2023 Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

Victoria Easton-Riley, BBC Scotland’s head of audio and events, said: “Massive congratulations to Alice Faye on being crowned Scottish Act of the Year 2026. It was an incredible final, and the judges had an extremely tough decision on their hands. The talent coming through Scotland right now is truly outstanding, and this year’s finalists showcased an exciting and diverse range of music.

“Alice is a hugely deserving winner, and we’re proud that BBC Radio Scotland can support Scottish artists at such an important stage in their careers.”

The search for Scottish Act of the Year 2026 began in January, with hundreds of artists from across the country submitting their music. Following a rigorous selection process, the final five were announced on 13 March.

Alongside the prestigious title, the winner will receive a recording session with BBC Radio Scotland, a performance slot at TRNSMT Festival and a bespoke PR campaign to take their career to the next level.

The final will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday.