Just 5 out of 230 main comedy award nominees have ever been from north of the border

A new comedy award aimed specifically at Scottish acts is to be launched at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

The accolade, run by The Stand comedy club, is the first prize of its kind in the festival's history and comes with a £2,500 cash prize.

The venue points out that since 1981, when what is now the Edinburgh Comedy Award was first introduced, only five of the approximately 230 nominees for the main prize have been based in Scotland.

To be eligible, acts must be based north of the border and performing a 50-minute or more solo show at any Fringe venue for a minimum of eight nights.

A longlist and shortlist will be drawn up by volunteers who will attend shows across the festival. 

A judging panel of journalists, agents, bookers and performers will then decide the winner, who will get slots to perform their show at Stand venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle, plus development support from Glasgow-based production company The Comedy Unit for potential television or radio work.

The competition is also being backed by The List magazine, whose editor Brian Donaldson said: ‘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.’

The full panel of judges has yet to be announced, but one of them will be Krista MacDonald, director of the  Glasgow International Comedy Festival. She said:  ‘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.'

 The news – which comes the day before the physical Fringe programme is released – has been welcomed by the Scottish comedy community, with a long list of comedians lending their support.

Among them are Susie McCabe, who said: ‘It’s a prize for Scottish-based talent backed by what is the brand leader comedy club in Scotland. As creatives in Scotland we are often overlooked, and this is an award we can be proud of.'

Christopher Macarthur-Boyd added: ‘This is exactly what Scottish comedy lacks, needs and deserves’, while MC Hammersmith, real name Will Naameh, called it ‘an essential step in finally undoing an immense injustice in the status quo’.

Billy Kirkwood said:  ‘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 overdue.’

Meanwhile, Amy Matthews joked: ‘The Scottish comedy ecosystem is so healthy and energised, just like its weather, the scene here is overdue its day in the sun.

The Stand has traditionally not been in favour of comedy prizes, seeing them as bringing unnecessary competition into what should be a pure art form, but has recently relaxed its stance, including hosting a heat of the Magners Share the Craic comedy search at its Glasgow club next week.

The new award is sponsored by W Edinburgh hotel, which will host the winner’s announcement on August 28.

Published: 3 Jun 2026