A new awards ceremony is looking for nominations for the best Scottish Album, EP, Song and Video of the Year.

The competition is the brainchild of The Weekender – a supplement in the Alloa Advertiser which launched this time last year – which aims to (shine) a light on the remarkable output from Scotland’s bands and solo artists”.

Entry for the inaugural awards is free and is open to managers, PR reps, fans, bloggers, journalists and other interested parties to submit on behalf of a band or artist.

Shortlists for the four categories will then be drawn up shortlist and put it to the judging panel, with winners to be announced at Christmastime.

The awards are open to Scottish releases over the past 12 months (precise entry criteria and definitions).

Four awards will be given out this year: Album of the Year, EP of the Year, Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year, and though there is no cash pot for winners, each award comes with an additional prize, provided through the support of sponsors – Party at the Palace, Forth Valley College, Stirling City Radio and Coda Production Services.

Iain Smith, editor of The Weekender, said: “I’ve said it many times, Scottish musicians don’t get the credit they deserve. Too easy the focus is on, maybe, one or two well-promoted artists, but the sheer wealth of talent that goes unnoticed is shocking at times.

“It is important to recognise what our artists can produce, especially considering that many do so after working 40-hour weeks and while juggling family commitments.

“We see these awards as a bit of a pilot – if all goes well, the hope is to see it expanded next time around, adding more awards in the form of Live Band award and, perhaps, having a Song of the Year as well as a Single of the Year, so that nothing goes unsung.

Deadline for entries is Saturday, November 21, 2020, for music videos, EPs and songs – apart for album entries, which is Saturday, November 14, 2020.

More on the awards at the Alloa Advertiser website, or see previous issues of The Weekender