Frequently asked questions
Thanks to our partnership with Spotify, entry to this year’s Scottish Podcast Awards is now FREE.
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?
Entry deadline extended until Sunday 15th March 2026.
What happens if I have already paid to enter?
Thank you so much for your entry — it remains fully valid. We’ll be in touch with each entrant individually very shortly.
What if I have received notice of a Bespoken place but haven’t entered yet?
All podcasts who previously applied for the Bespoken Media Scotland Fund are now formally approved as FREE entries, thanks to our partnership with Spotify.
We were-and remain-delighted to have partnered with Bespoken Media Scotland, who generously made a pot of funds available to help ensure that entry to the Scottish Podcast Awards was open to those facing financial constraints. It’s a real measure of their passion for the sector that they did so, and we are hugely grateful for their support.
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 entry.
Please note 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.