Dates unconfirmedDates unconfirmed

Scottish Portrait Awards 2027 (Fine Art)

Scottish Arts Trust · Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Scotland's largest portraiture award, for artists born, living or studying in Scotland, exhibited at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh. The 2026 edition shows from 28 November 2026; the 2027 entry window follows the usual September to January pattern.

Deadline: Not stated
Entry fee: Not stated

View on scottishartstrust.org

Opens in a new tab.

Your eligibility

Tell us about yourself and we will check these rules against your details. Nothing leaves your device until you sign in.

Who can enter

Location: United Kingdom (by residence or nationality)
Age: 16 and over
Career stage: Any
Mediums: Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Mixed media
Theme: portraiture
Submission: Online, then physical if shortlisted
Also: Artists must be born, living or studying in Scotland (all members of a collaboration must qualify). Over 16. Young Fine Artist prize for ages 16 to 25.

About

The Scottish Portrait Awards have run since 2017 and are organised by the Scottish Arts Trust with National Galleries of Scotland as partner. The fine-art award accepts portraits in any medium or style of a person or group known to the artist, with the sitter's permission to exhibit.

Prizes in 2026: first £5,000 plus a commission from National Galleries of Scotland for the national collection; second £1,000; third £500; the June Carey Award for Etching £1,000 with a solo show at the Scottish Arts Club; Young Fine Artist (16 to 25) £1,000; and five commendations of £100. The 2026 exhibition runs at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait from 28 November 2026 to 11 April 2027.

Entries for the 2026 edition were open 1 September 2025 to 15 January 2026. The 2027 window has not been confirmed on the organiser's site. A Scottish Arts Trust bursary scheme gives free entry to artists who need it.