As part of the Scottish Album of the Award’s (SAY) host city partnership with Dundee, local maker, No Comply, has been selected to create the bespoke prizes for the bands and artists being recognised at the SAY Award Ceremony which takes place at Caird Hall on Thursday 6 November.
Every year, the SAY Award Design Commission appoints an artist, designer or maker to create unique prizes, responding to the theme of sustainable design & highlighting the enduring links between music and design in Scotland. Applicants are asked to demonstrate how they will place sustainability at the forefront of the design and manufacture process. Previous commissions have included jesmonite arches, sand-cast recycled glass sculptures, and vibrant vases made from community gathered plastic waste.
This year, the commission received 20 expressions of interest from applicants living or working within a DD postcode. Makers were encouraged to take inspiration from the city of Dundee and the wider region. No Comply particularly impressed the commission panel with their inventive way of embedding sustainability at the core of their practice - with all of their creations made primarily from donated skateboard decks and hardwood offcuts. Their work is a dual celebration of Dundee’s skate culture , and thriving live music scene. Cat Loots and Andy Donaldson of No Comply design bespoke homeware and jewellery from their workshop based in Dundee. The pieces they make are crafted from broken, disused skateboards - donated from skaters and skate shops across the UK - and locally sourced reclaimed hardwood.
Each piece carries its own story, inspired by skateboarding culture and a commitment to sustainable design. The aim is to ensure the skateboards generate more memories and enjoyment in a whole new form.
No Comply are calling for local donations of broken boards and old skate decks which they can recycle and utilise as materials in the creation of these awards, to donate please direct message No Comply on their social channels.
Cat Loots from No Comply said,
”We’re delighted to be commissioned to design this year’s SAY Award prizes. Music and skateboarding share a sense of expression, rhythm and individuality, and we’re excited to channel that into the award designs. We’ll be using broken skateboards donated by skaters in the Dundee area, along with locally sourced reclaimed hardwood as the base materials. Every board carries signs of its past life - from scrapes and pressure cracks to layers of worn colour - and because no two are the same, each award will be unique.”
Hilary Goodfellow, SAY Award Design Commission & Event Manager said,
“Dundee is UNESCO City of Design, and this was evident in the quality and variety of applications received. From sculpture to streetwear, we saw remarkable creativity across the board, and we’d like to thank all who applied. Choosing just one maker wasn’t easy, but No Comply stood out. They transform old skateboard decks into beautiful new objects to be treasured – each one unique with a story woven through every curve and surface. It’s inventive, meaningful, and perfectly in tune with Dundee’s creative spirit. There’s always been a shared rhythm between music and skate culture, and we can’t wait to see that connection revealed at the Ceremony this November.”
Lizzie Day, Project Coordinator at UNESCO City of Design Dundee said,
“It’s brilliant to have No Comply as this year’s SAY Award Design Commission recipients. Their work centres on sustainability, a vital focus for the awards, whilst celebrating local skate culture. At UNESCO City of Design Dundee, we believe in the power of design and the essential place of designers in the life of the city. We’re so excited to see such a pioneering design duo celebrate Scotland’s thriving music scene through this commission. Congratulations Cat and Andy!”
Anna Day, Head of Cultural Services and Libraries at Leisure & Culture Dundee said,
"As a Creative City, Dundee is a true hub of creativity. We are delighted about the variety of applications to the design commission opportunity, showcasing the impact of The SAY Award across sectors. We’re excited to unveil the final awards and welcome the Scottish music community this November at the iconic Caird Hall.”
The SAY Award is a Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) production. The SAY Award 2025 is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, Leisure & Culture Dundee, V&A Dundee, Dundee City Council, UNESCO City of Design Dundee, Seabass Vinyl, PPL, HMV, FOPP, Help Musicians, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, Youth Music, 71 Brewing, Bon Accord, Apex Hotels, Malmaison and Music Declares Emergency.
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Image: No Comply showing their creative process