Frequently asked questions
How do I enter?
Head to our website:
scottishpodcastawards.scot/enter-the-awards
What is the eligibility period for entries?
Podcasts or episodes must have been first released between 1st January 2024 and 21st January 2026.
How do you define “Scottish” for eligibility?
To be eligible, entries must demonstrate a clear Scottish connection. This can include any one of the following:
- The podcast has Scottish host(s), producer(s) or is made by a Scotland-based production company;
- The podcast is primarily produced or recorded in Scotland; or
- The podcast focuses on Scottish stories, audiences or communities.
Meeting any one of these criteria is sufficient.
Can podcasts without a Scottish connection enter the Awards?
Yes – podcasts without a Scottish connection may ONLY enter the International Podcast category. Entries from England, Ireland and Wales, as well as from around the world, are welcome in this category. International podcast entries are not eligible for other categories.
Who can enter?
Entries are welcome from Independent creators, production companies, radio stations and broadcasters, charities and third-sector organisations, brands and businesses, students and emerging talent.
All entries are submitted via self-nomination. There is no requirement for third‑party endorsement or nomination.
What is the closing date for entries?
Monday 9th March 2026.
How much does it cost to enter?
Standard entry fee: £59 + VAT
Additional category entry fee: £39 + VAT
(for each additional category entered for the same podcast)
Student / Charity entry fee: £39 + VAT
(per category entry)
This rate applies to each category entered, up to a maximum of three categories per podcast. A valid student or charity number must be provided.
Entry fees are non-refundable (see Terms of Entry).
Entry Fee Support
We are committed to making the Scottish Podcast Awards as accessible as possible and we are delighted to have partnered with Bespoken Media Scotland, who have made available a pot of funds to help ensure that entry to the Scottish Podcast Awards is open to people facing financial constraints.
The aim of the fund is to remove the cost of entry as a barrier for people who would otherwise be unable to enter the Awards. The fund will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and is not available to entrants applying as a limited company and there are a limited number of funded places.
Full details on how to apply for entry-fee support can be found here.
How do I enter more than one category?
If you feel that your podcast straddles more than one genre, you are more than welcome to enter it into different categories. Each podcast may be entered into a maximum of three categories, with each category treated as a separate paid entry.
Please note that the Podcast of the Year Award is not self-nominated instead, it will be chosen from the winners of the other categories.
How will I know if I have been shortlisted?
We will advise those by email that have been shortlisted. It will also be posted on the Scottish Podcast Awards website.
When will the winners be announced?
We will announce the winners at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 25th June 2026 at The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow.
When can we buy tickets to the Awards night?
Tickets to the awards shall go on sale once the shortlists are announced.
Do I have to buy a ticket to the Awards night if I am shortlisted?
No but everyone who attends the Awards will need to purchase a ticket. If you are unable to attend on the night, this will have no bearing on who wins, and should your podcast be successful, we will ensure your prize is sent to you after the event.
Sadly, we are unable to offer free tickets to nominees or those shortlisted.
Of course, we hope that everyone nominated is able to attend, as it’s going to be a fantastic evening.