Young Edinburgh artist shortlisted for prestigious Scottish Portrait Awards 2026
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An 18-year-old Edinburgh artist has been shortlisted for a prestigious Scottish arts award
An Edinburgh student is one of more than 180 artists from across Scotland to be shortlisted for a prestigious Scottish arts award.
Robyn Jenkins, an animation student at Edinburgh College of Art, is one of the youngest artists to be shortlisted for the Scottish Portrait Awards at just 18 years old.
The shortlisted works will be showcased alongside the nation’s collection of art at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait which runs from November 18.
Robyn said: “To walk into the Great Hall and know my work is hanging in the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait is an absolute dream. After visiting the galleries so many times, it feels surreal to have my work share the space of the incredible art I’ve admired for so long.”
A total of 187 works were chosen from nearly 2,500 entries across three categories including Fine Art, Photography and the free to enter, Scotland Now! Phone Portrait Awards. These include nine nominations for the Young Fine Artist Award and nine nominations for the Young Photographer Award.
Judges were wowed by the vibrance and creativity of this year’s submissions, championing the incredible talent of Scottish artists.
Now in its ninth year, the Scottish Portrait Awards, Scotland’s largest awards in portraiture, will be bigger than ever as the National Galleries of Scotland partner with the Scottish Arts Trust for the first time.
Each shortlisted artist will have the opportunity to win the John Clark Motor Group Scottish Portrait Awards in Fine Art or the MPB Scottish Portrait Awards in Photography plus £5,000 and a commission from the National Galleries of Scotland to make a portrait for Scotland’s national collection.
Gordon Mitchell RSW RSA RGI, director of the Scottish Portrait Awards and fine art chair, said: “We’re bringing the country's biggest and most prestigious portrait awards to a world-class national stage. Nothing compares to standing in a major gallery and experiencing the breadth and intimacy of the artworks firsthand.”
Simon Murphy, chair of photography, said: “Showcasing established and emerging artists together in a single exhibition isn't just about sharing gallery space, it creates a powerful dialogue and democratic opportunity. Add a major national collection as a backdrop and you create an electric energy that is rarely experienced.”
Anne Lyden, director general of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “Portraiture shows us what it is to be human – to connect and foster empathetic relationships. This year’s entries embody this and more, capturing life in Scotland in the most beautiful way.
“It has been inspiring and moving to experience the work of artists who have previously entered and to see how participating has furthered their practice. The judges were enthralled by the range of submissions and captivated by the artists skill, storytelling and personal statements. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share this with our visitors in November and hope everyone can join us in celebrating the incredible artistic talent Scotland has to offer.”
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The prize-winners will be announced on the opening week of the exhibition in November during the awards events at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait before opening to the public from 18 November 2026 – 11 April 2027.