The best of Scotland’s cultural and artistic achievements are to be celebrated again this year as The Herald launches its  fourth Annual Scottish Culture Awards.

Scotland’s rich history defines its culture, traditions, myths, art, literature, our pride and pretty much anything else you can imagine. 

Today, Scotland revels in its reputation as a cultural and arts centre of excellence and is a wonderful environment in which individualism can flourish. 

With rich diversity within its population, Scotland brings out the best of people, and none more so than our musicians, actors, visual artists, dancers and writers who continue to achieve international success.

The Herald believes it is important to recognise our great people and their achievements with our Scottish Culture Awards 2019, which crosses all genres and celebrates all that is great in our vibrant cultural scene.

We are delighted to be working again for the fourth year with Edinburgh Napier University, who are supporting the Life Time Achievement Award. 
Pauline Miller Judd, Dean of Arts and Creative Industries at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Edinburgh Napier’s School of Arts and Creative Industries is excited once again to support these awards. 

“They represent and celebrate the diversity of the talent across the arts in Scotland. Every year the standard of entries seems to get more impressive and I can’t wait to see the class of 2019.”

Back for a third year, EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, is sponsoring the Outstanding Cultural Event (National/International) for this year.

The Herald Scottish Culture Awards, sponsored by Edinburgh Napier University and Events Scotland, are open for entries across 14 categories, recognising artists, venues and events. 

2019 sees the introduction of new awards, notably the Outstanding 
Attraction and Outstanding Literature accolade. 

Last year’s awards, hosted by broadcaster Bryan Burnett, saw the Lifetime Achievement Award go to actor director David Hayman, who accepted the prize in person.

The Special Award for Contribution to Scottish Culture went to Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit.

The Best Musical Artist award was presented to Scottish Opera’s Catherine Backhouse.

Other winners from 2018 include The Stand Comedy Club, which took the Biggest Contribution to Scottish Comedy award, while the Best Dance Performer was Hayley Earlam of Indepen-dance.  

The Best Performing Arts Venue gong went to the Scottish Storytelling Centre. he awards evening will take place on Thursday, July 11, 2019 and will be held at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Cost to attend the event is £90 + VAT per ticket, table booking forms can be downloaded via our website.

For more information on this year’s awards entry process or to discuss supporting the event, please contact Holly Rutherford, Events Executive on 0141 302 6019 or email holly.rutherford@newsquest.co.uk. Entries are free. 

Visit the website to submit your nomination at www.newsquestscotland
events.com/events/cultureawards/  by Friday, May 17, 2019.