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The Stand Comedy Club in partnership with The List Magazine and The Comedy Unit is proud to launch a brand-new Edinburgh Fringe award for 2026: The McTavish Award.
Created to celebrate the immense talent and creativity of Scotland's comedy scene, this award will recognise the most outstanding show by a Scottish or Scottish-based act at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. The prize is sponsored by W Edinburgh and will include a £2.5k prize, a fringe run or tour in our venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Newcastle plus development mentoring with The Comedy Unit for TV or radio.
This award has been established in memory of Paul Sneddon, better known to audiences as Vladimir McTavish. Over a remarkable 40-year career, Paul built a reputation as one of Scotland's most original and fearless comedians, constantly pushing the boundaries of comedy with intelligence, wit and creativity. He was an integral part of The Stand's story and a much-loved figure within the Scottish comedy community. Beyond his achievements on stage, Paul was renowned for his kindness, generosity and unwavering support for fellow performers. He championed Scottish talent throughout his career, and The McTavish Award has been created to honour that legacy by recognising and celebrating exceptional Scottish comedians.
However, we need your help to make that happen! We're looking for a team of passionate comedy fans to come onboard as volunteer judges and help us judge this year's eligible shows.
We'll be looking for a diverse range of people who love live comedy, can judge shows fairly, and are free to review comedy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe between the 5th and 21st August.
If this sounds like you, and you would like to be part of championing Scottish comedy, then please fill out this form by the 23rd July 2026.
Award FAQ’s
Do I need to apply for this award?
No, if you are a Scottish or Scottish-based act you are automatically in the running for this award. Someone from The Stand will be in touch with you or your venue about getting a judge's ticket to your show. If no one has requested a ticket to your show by the 14th August, please email [email protected].
What is the criteria to be eligible?
To be eligible for this award you must be a Scottish comic, or living in Scotland and actively contributing to the Scottish Comedy Scene. You must be performing at least a 50 minute solo show over a minimum of 8 nights.
How does the judging work?
Our voluntary judges will attend all shows, and a long list will be announced on the 21st of August. A panel of judges will then decide a short list, and the winner will be announced at The List's Fringe awards on the 28th of August at W Edinburgh
What is the judging criteria?
Judges and panellists will assess each show based on originality, writing, audience response and overall performance. All judges are briefed on the judging criteria to ensure the process is as fair and consistent as possible.
While we are committed to judging fairly, comedy is inherently subjective. Judging is never an exact science, but our aim is to minimise subjectivity by focusing on audience response and the impact of the performance. If your show consistently generates big laughs and makes the judges laugh, it will be a strong contender. Unfortunately, not every great show can be nominated or win, and not receiving an award is not a reflection of your show's strength and quality.
When will the judges be at my show, and can I request which show they come to?
Due to the large amount of shows our judges will be attending we are unable to give an exact date when they will be at your show or take requests for specific dates for them to attend.