Scotland’s standout accountancy talent recognised by ICAS

Twelve of Scotland’s leading accountancy students have been named recipients of the 2026 Charles Scott Prize by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).

The prestigious annual prize recognises exceptional academic performance and potential in accountancy, with each participating Scottish university identifying one student who has excelled within their cohort based on varied selection criteria. 

The Charles Scott Prize provides early professional recognition from ICAS for winners, opportunities to engage with an internationally respected accountancy body, expert mentorship, exposure across ICAS channels and a £150 award to support their studies. 

The prize forms part of ICAS’ broader commitment to championing the next generation of Chartered Accountants (CAs), promoting high standards in accountancy education and deepening collaboration with universities across the country. 

Cat Devaney CA, ICAS Executive Director of Learning, 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’re 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.” 

The 2026 winners are: 

• Pei zhu Yu, Abertay University, Dundee  
• Phoenix Brereton, Edinburgh Napier University  
• Marisa Todd, Glasgow Caledonian University 
• Arslan Hojanazarov, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh  
• Madeleine Cruickshank, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen  
• Alexander Hughes, The University of Edinburgh 
• Vaila Wright, University of Aberdeen 
• Holly Shand, University of Dundee 
• Zoe Masting, University of Glasgow 
• Corey Neilson, University of Stirling 
• Aimee Kerr, University of Strathclyde 
• Blair Hepburn, University of the West of Scotland 

This year’s winners were invited to ICAS’ CA House in Edinburgh for an exclusive event, where they gained insight into becoming a Chartered Accountant, explored the breadth of opportunities the ICAS qualification can offer and started to build their community within the profession. 

The award honours the memory of Charles Alexander Scott CA (1902-1993) and was established in his name to recognise academic excellence and the future of the profession. 

Image Credit (Mike Wilkinson): Seven of the 2026 Charles Scott Prize winners at ICAS’ CA House.

 L-R: Corey Neilson, Holly Shand, Marisa Todd (front), Madeleine Cruickshank (back), Arslan Hojanazarov, Phoenix Brereton and Vaila Wright.