The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has named 12 accountancy students as recipients of its 2026 Charles Scott Prize.
The annual award was established in memory of Charles Alexander Scott (1902–1993). It recognises academic achievement and “the future of the profession”, ICAS said in a statement.
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Each participating Scottish university selects one student from its cohort, using its own criteria to assess academic performance.
The recipients receive early professional recognition from ICAS, mentorship, opportunities to engage with the accountancy body, exposure through ICAS channels and a £150 ($204) award for their studies.
The 2026 recipients were Pei zhu Yu from Abertay University; Phoenix Brereton from Edinburgh Napier University; Marisa Todd from Glasgow Caledonian University; Arslan Hojanazarov from Heriot-Watt University; and Madeleine Cruickshank from Robert Gordon University.
The recipient list also includes Alexander Hughes from the University of Edinburgh; Vaila Wright from the University of Aberdeen; and Holly Shand from the University of Dundee.
The remaining recipients are Zoe Masting from the University of Glasgow; Corey Neilson from the University of Stirling; Aimee Kerr from the University of Strathclyde; and Blair Hepburn from the University of the West of Scotland.
The selected students attended an event at ICAS’ CA House in Edinburgh.
They learned about becoming a chartered accountant, considered the opportunities available through the ICAS qualification and began building connections within the profession.
ICAS Learning executive director Cat Devaney said: “Working closely with our university partners to support excellence in accountancy education is vital to ensuring talented students have the foundations to thrive as the next generation of chartered accountants.
“The Charles Scott Prize is one of the ways ICAS celebrates and recognises the future leaders of our profession.
“We are proud to honour these outstanding students from across Scotland and to support their journey into the world of accountancy. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, talent and the success of our university partnerships.”
