From a historic World Cup qualification sealed by a spectacular halfway-line goal to world records, long-awaited championship victories and unforgettable moments on home soil, it has been another extraordinary year for Scottish sport.
Now, the public is being invited to decide which moment deserves to be crowned Scotland's Sporting Moment of the Year 2026, as the sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards public vote officially opens today.
The past 12 months have delivered no shortage of sporting drama, with Scottish athletes and teams producing performances that have captured the imagination, made history and brought the nation together.
Will it be Kenny McLean's incredible halfway-line strike against Denmark to secure Scotland's place at the FIFA World Cup? Josh Kerr rewriting the record books by breaking the Mile World Record after 27 years? Kirsty Gilmour finally claiming European Championship gold after five previous silver medals? Or one of the many other unforgettable moments from an exceptional year?
Ten outstanding moments have been shortlisted by an expert judging panel, with the winner now in the hands of the public. Voting is open until Wednesday 2 December, with the winning moment to be announced at the sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards in Glasgow on 14 December.
The annual awards bring together athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and sporting organisations to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions that make Scottish sport so special, from grassroots participation through to the highest levels of international competition.
Broadcaster Eilidh Barbour, who will be hosting the event alongside Hazel Irvine, said: “There's a fantastic line-up of 10 brilliant moments shortlisted for the Scottish Sporting Moment of the Year 2026, showcasing some of the incredible achievements and memorable moments from across Scottish sport over the past 12 months.
“Now it's over to you! sportscotland is calling on the Scottish public to have their say and vote for the moment that made them proud. Check out the finalists and cast your vote. The winning moment will be revealed at the Scottish Sports Awards on 14 December. Get involved and make sure your favourite gets your vote!”
Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland said: “The Scottish Sports Awards are one of the highlights of the year, and it is fantastic to see the Sporting Moment of the Year category return.
“Choosing from these ten will be no easy task, and that in itself speaks to what a successful and emotional year it has been.”
“From unforgettable victories and record-breaking performances to moments that have captured the imagination of the nation, each finalist has given us something to celebrate. That is what sport at all levels is about, passion, enjoyment and raw emotion.”
The top ten finalists are:
Scotland 4–2 Denmark – Kenny McLean’s halfway-line goal
With Scotland’s World Cup qualification hanging in the balance, Kenny McLean produced an unforgettable moment at Hampden, scoring from near the halfway line to seal a dramatic 4–2 win over Denmark. The goal secured Scotland’s place at the FIFA World Cup and instantly became a defining moment in Scottish football history.
Kirsty Muir – X Games Slopestyle Gold
Kirsty Muir produced a sensational performance at the X Games in Aspen, winning slopestyle gold for the first time. The Scottish freestyle skier delivered under pressure in a competition featuring some of the world’s best, landing a standout final run to secure the top spot. Her victory marked another major milestone in Muir’s career and a memorable moment for Scottish sport.
Scotland Men’s 3x3 Basketball – the buzzer beater
Scotland produced a dramatic last-second winner to beat their opponents and reach the men’s 3x3 basketball semi-finals at Glasgow 2026. The spectacular buzzer beater sent the home crowd into raptures and helped Scotland go on to secure a historic bronze medal.
Neil Fachie becomes Scotland’s most successful Commonwealth athlete
Neil Fachie made history at Glasgow 2026, becoming Scotland’s most successful Commonwealth athlete. His gold-medal success on the track took him beyond the previous record and capped an extraordinary Commonwealth career.
Team Scotland Para Bowls – Thrilling Tie-Break Gold
Team Scotland’s para bowls pair produced a dramatic gold-medal victory, holding their nerve in a thrilling tie-break finish. After an intense contest that went down to the wire, the Scots delivered when it mattered most to secure Commonwealth Games gold and celebrate a memorable triumph for para sport.
Team Mouat’s semi-final win over unbeaten Switzerland
Team Mouat produced a remarkable semi-final victory over unbeaten Switzerland, guaranteeing Team GB an Olympic silver medal. The win secured a place in the final and underlined the team’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage against formidable opposition.
Reuben Ward wins all-around Commonwealth gold
Reuben Ward made Scottish gymnastics history by winning all-around gold at the Commonwealth Games. His victory made him Scotland’s first ever male Commonwealth all-around champion, marking a breakthrough moment for Scottish gymnastics.
Josh Kerr breaks the Mile World Record
Josh Kerr produced a sensational performance when he broke the world record in the mile that had stood for 27 years, running 3 minutes, 42.66 seconds at a Diamond League meet in London. It was a spectacular display of world-class middle-distance running and one of the standout individual performances of the year.
Kirsty Gilmour finally wins European Championship Gold
After having to settle for silver five times at the European Badminton Championships, Kirsty Gilmour finally claimed gold in Huelva, Spain. Her long-awaited victory was a hugely emotional and historic moment, rewarding years of perseverance and making it a standout contender for Scotland’s Moment of the Year.
Melanie Woods – Gold Medal & Games Record
Melanie Woods produced a remarkable Commonwealth Games moment, winning gold and setting a Games record in a race that had to be re-run after she had already won the original. One of the memorable moments of the Games and one that truly highlighted her talent on the world stage.
Each of these moments has showcased the talent, determination and passion at the heart of Scottish sport. But which deserves to be crowned Scottish Sport Awards Sporting Moment of the Year 2026?
The public can view all ten shortlisted moments and cast their vote online here.
Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 2 December, with the winner to be revealed at the Scottish Sports Awards on 14 December.
