Entries Open for First Scottish Podcast Awards 2026 – Categories, Dates & How to Apply

Scotland’s podcasting industry is stepping into the national spotlight as entries officially open for the inaugural Scottish Podcast Awards, a landmark initiative designed to celebrate the creativity, diversity, and innovation shaping the country’s fast-growing audio and video podcast ecosystem.

Set to culminate in a high-profile awards ceremony at Glasgow’s iconic Old Fruitmarket on 25 June 2026, the event marks the first dedicated national awards platform focused entirely on Scottish podcasting — spanning independent creators, community voices, professional production teams, and emerging digital storytellers.

With 23 award categories now revealed, podcasters across genres and experience levels are invited to submit their work before the entry deadline of 9 March 2026, while shortlisted finalists are expected to be announced in early May.

Scottish Podcast Awards 2026 launch announcement promoting entries and categories for podcasters across Scotland

Table of Contents

Scotland’s Podcast Boom: Why These Awards Matter

Podcasting in Scotland has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years — driven by:

Industry analysts say the Scottish Podcast Awards come at a pivotal moment when audio storytelling is reshaping journalism, entertainment, education, and cultural expression across the country.

The awards aim to:

What Are the Scottish Podcast Awards?

The Scottish Podcast Awards are a newly launched annual celebration of podcasting excellence, honoring outstanding creators who produce compelling, high-quality content across multiple genres.

The event will bring together:

By hosting the ceremony in Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket, a venue known for its cultural significance and historic atmosphere, the organizers aim to reflect both Scotland’s creative heritage and its modern digital ambitions.

Full List of Categories: 23 Awards Across Genres

The Scottish Podcast Awards will feature 23 competitive categories, designed to reflect the diversity and depth of modern podcasting.

🎙️ Content & Genre Categories

🌟 Talent & Impact Awards

These categories are designed to highlight both content quality and creative craft, recognizing storytelling, technical production, audience engagement, and originality.

Open to Independent Creators and Major Studios Alike

One of the most inclusive aspects of the awards is their open-entry approach.

Both:

…are encouraged to apply.

Organizers emphasize that size, budget, or production scale will not determine eligibility — creativity, storytelling, and audience connection remain the primary judging factors.

This approach ensures a level playing field, giving emerging talent the opportunity to compete alongside established names in the industry.

Audio and Video Podcasts Are Eligible

Reflecting the evolution of podcast consumption habits, the awards welcome entries from both audio-first podcasts and video podcasts.

With audiences increasingly consuming podcasts on:

…the awards recognize that modern podcasting extends beyond traditional audio formats.

Key Eligibility Notes:

International Category Opens Doors Beyond Scotland

While the primary mission is to celebrate Scottish talent, the Scottish Podcast Awards will also feature an International Category, allowing podcasters based outside Scotland to participate.

This global inclusion:

However, organizers confirm the core focus remains firmly on supporting Scottish creators, communities, and cultural voices.

Key Dates: Entry Deadlines and Ceremony Timeline

📅 Important Award Milestones:

Creators are encouraged to submit early to avoid last-minute delays and ensure full eligibility.

Go Radio Named Official Media Partner

The Scottish Podcast Awards recently confirmed Go Radio as its Official Media Partner, marking a significant boost to the awards’ national visibility.

As part of the partnership:

Go Radio’s Commitment to Creators

Rochelle Clemente, Managing Director at Go Radio, praised the strength of Scotland’s podcasting scene and highlighted the company’s investment in nurturing creative talent through Go Studios.

She noted that:

Founder Corrinne Gardiner on Launching the Awards

Corrinne Gardiner, Founder of the Scottish Podcast Awards, described the launch as a historic milestone for the country’s creative media industry.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch the first-ever Scottish Podcast Awards. Podcasting in Scotland is thriving, and these awards are about recognising the talent, originality and hard work that goes into creating brilliant shows.”

She emphasized that the awards are designed to support:

“Whether you’re an established producer or a first-time podcaster, we want to hear from you.”

Why the Scottish Podcast Awards Could Shape the Industry

Media experts suggest these awards could:

With Scotland already producing popular podcasts in:

…the awards may help elevate local productions to national and global stages.

Opportunities for Emerging Talent

A standout feature of the awards is its Emerging Talent category, aimed at discovering and promoting new voices in the podcasting space.

This category recognizes:

The goal is to foster the next generation of Scottish media talent, offering winners increased visibility, credibility, and career opportunities.

Audience Engagement Through Listener’s Choice Award

The Listener’s Choice Award ensures that fans and audiences play a direct role in determining winners.

This category:

It reflects the reality that podcasting thrives on audience connection.

How to Enter the Scottish Podcast Awards

Podcasters can submit entries through the official Scottish Podcast Awards website, where full details on:

…are available.

Applicants must ensure their submissions:

The Bigger Picture: Podcasting’s Cultural Impact in Scotland

Podcasting has become a powerful storytelling medium in Scotland, enabling creators to:

The Scottish Podcast Awards aim to formalize recognition for this growing cultural movement.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the June Ceremony

The June 25 ceremony in Glasgow is expected to feature:

It could become an annual flagship event for Scotland’s digital creative industries.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Scottish Podcasting

The launch of the Scottish Podcast Awards represents more than just a new trophy — it marks a defining moment for Scotland’s podcasting ecosystem.

By celebrating creativity, innovation, and storytelling excellence, the awards aim to inspire creators, strengthen industry standards, and elevate Scottish voices worldwide.

With entries now open, podcasters across Scotland — and beyond — are being invited to step forward and showcase their talent.

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!