Glasgow-based country-pop artist Riley, modern rock band Lo Rays and singer-songwriter Alice Faye are among the five exceptional emerging Scottish artists shortlisted for the prestigious award.
Now in its fifth year, the award highlights rising talent from across Scotland’s music scene, with past winners and nominees going on to achieve national recognition.
Riley, who represents a fresh wave of Scottish country-pop, has been recognised for her sound that combines Glasgow grit and Nashville polish.
She said: “Being shortlisted for BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year is a real honour.
“I’ve loved the BBC Introducing show for years, so getting the chance to perform at my dream Glasgow venue, St Luke’s, with my band and best friends, supported by BBC Introducing, already feels like a huge win.”
Glasgow-based modern rock band Lo Rays, known for their cyberpunk-inspired visuals and glitchy, guitar-led sound, recently signed to Denmark-based rock and metal label Prime Collective.
In response to their place in the Scottish Act of the Year 2026 finals, Lo Rays said: “We honestly still haven’t taken it in that we are playing the final.
“We can’t thank the BBC Introducing team enough for the support they have shown us throughout the years and for giving heavier, alternative music a platform.
“We are so excited to be bringing some post-apocalyptic vibes to the Scottish Act of the Year 2026.”
Alice Faye, who draws on influences from 1940s jazz, 1960s folk and chanson legends like Edith Piaf, blends theatrical storytelling with powerful vocals and retro-pop flair.
She has been recognised for her strong voice and unique style that set her apart on Scotland’s music scene.
Alice said: “I’m so, so honoured to be included in the shortlist for BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2026.
“Never saw it coming and just genuinely absolutely chuffed.”
The three Glasgow-based acts will be competing against Katie Nicoll, an acoustic singer-songwriter from Angus, and J Wax, an Edinburgh-based DJ and producer known for his genre-blending electronic music.
All five artists will perform live at the final on Tuesday, March 24, at Saint Luke’s in Glasgow, with the winner set to receive a recording session with BBC Radio Scotland, a slot at TRNSMT Festival and a bespoke PR campaign to support their career development.
The event will be hosted by BBC Introducing in Scotland presenters Phoebe Inglis-Holmes and Stephanie Cheape and will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday, March 27.
The BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year award is widely regarded as a major career springboard, with 2025 winner Becky Sikasa earning a slot at TRNSMT and announcing a UK tour following her success.
BBC Introducing in Scotland launched in 2020 and has supported more than 500 artists to date, offering airplay, live performance opportunities and industry exposure to emerging talent across the country.
One of its most notable success stories is Jacob Alon, who received their first radio play through the show in September 2023 and went on to win the BRITs Rising Star Award.
Jacob became the first Scot to take home the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year title in 2025.
