It was 1981 when the first Fringe award was introduced. Since then the award has taken on various guises with different sponsors. There have been approximately 230 nominees for the main prize since it began. Only 5 of these have been for acts based in Scotland.

The Scottish stand-up scene has grown and developed in those 40 years and is now home to one of the strongest scenes in the UK and beyond. There are more regular gigs than ever before - more purpose-built clubs, promoters, festivals and most importantly - acts.  As hosts of the world's biggest arts festival - of which comedy is by far the largest element - we feel that it's only right that there is parity of recognition with acts from elsewhere in the UK. We appreciate that giving out awards is perhaps a crude way of doing this and one that The Stand, in the past, have been critical of.  However, things change and so has our thinking! We have come to realise that launching a credible award is the most effective way of shining the spotlight on the quantity and quality of the Scottish stand-up scene.

It is with this in mind we are launching a new award for a Scotland based act in partnership with The List Magazine and The Comedy Unit. The prize is sponsored by the W, Edinburgh and will include a £2.5k prize, a fringe run or tour in our venues and development mentoring with The Comedy Unit for TV or radio. 

Eligibility for the the award will be for any act - living in Scotland doing a 50 minute solo show in any Fringe venue over a minimum of 8 nights.  The winner will be announced at the The List's Fringe awards on the 28^th of August by a special guest at The W, Edinburgh. 

The long list and short list will be decided by a recruitment of Fringe volunteers who will scout every venue for eligible candidates.  A panel of industry judges including journalists, bookers, agents and acts will decide the winner. We will release the names of people on the panel very shortly.

Support From The Industry

“…At the Comedy Unit we recognise how important the Edinburgh Fringe is in terms of comedy development. Over the years, some fantastic shows and performers have made the transfer to TV and radio after appearing in Edinburgh. The list includes Still Game, Gary : Tank Commander and Limmy's Show! At the same time titles have gone from TV and radio to the Edinburgh stage including Burnistoun, Fags, Mags & Bags and The Chief. At the Comedy Unit we are delighted to be involved in this initiative. We are very much looking forward to enjoying and celebrating some terrific comedy in Edinburgh in 2026!...”

Rab Christie

(The Comedy Unit)

“…While the Festival is undoubtedly a platform for global talent either taking a punt or cementing their reputation in Edinburgh, it's always worth remembering that there's a wealth of brilliance on our very own doorstep. That's why a prize such as this is so important in recognising the funny folk keeping the flame of Scottish comedy alive and thriving during the month of August…”

                                                  Brian Donaldson

                                                  (Editor of The List)

"...At its best, comedy reflects who we are, interrogates the world around us, and creates moments of connection that few other forms can achieve. Scotland has a remarkable tradition of producing artists who are unafraid to be bold, political, vulnerable and joyful — often all at once. It’s a privilege to join the panel for this award to help celebrate their work which demonstrates exceptional craft and artistic ambition...”

                                                   Krista MacDonald

                                                            (Director of Glasgow International Comedy Festival)

Support From Comedians-

“…It’s a prize for Scottish based talent backed by what is the brand leader comedy club in Scotland. As creative sin Scotland we are often overlooked and this is an award we can be proud of…”

Susie McCabe

“…this is laying of the first bricks of a new scaffolding, a tangible pathway for Scottish comedians to legitimately progress on an international stage and matters far beyond Edinburgh…”

Ifrah Qureshi

“…this is exactly what Scottish comedy lacks, needs and deserves….”

Christopher Macarthur-Boyd

“…the Scottish comedy ecosystem is so healthy and energised, just like its weather, the scene here is overdue its day in the sun.

Amy Matthews 

…”This is a great initiative, and I think it's a brilliant thing for Scottish comedy…

 Chris Rutter

“…I think this award will shine a much-needed spotlight on the wealth of talent and community in Scotland during the fringe and year-round, that is so often unfortunately overlooked…”

 Robin Grainger

“…This award feels like a massive positive step.... It’s exciting to see an initiative that backs home-grown comedy in such a meaningful way.... It is so over due...

Billy Kirkwood

“…It's about time Scottish comedians are shown the recognition they deserve and I think this is a great way of doing that…”

Stephen Buchanan

“…this is great news for the Scottish stand-up scene…”

Ross Leslie

“…this award brings together three leaders in their respected fields; The Stand, The List & The Comedy Unit - it's a great day for Scottish Comedy!...”

Gareth Mutch

“…Comics in Scotland need an Award to fight over and say they don’t care about winning’ too...

Jo Caufield

“... a chance to finally shine a spotlight on the sheer diversity and brilliance of Scottish acts at the Fringe isn't just welcome - it's an essential step in finally undoing an immense injustice in the status quo…”

MC Hammersmith

“…I am constantly impressed by the creativity of my peers and I am delighted that The Stand is continuing to champion and recognise Scottish comedy in this way…”

Jay Lafferty

It’s nice to have an award which shines a light on some of the great acts at the Fringe that you can still catch in September.’

Danny Bhoy