A FORMER Dunbar Grammar School pupil's debut album has been named as one of the best Scottish albums of 2024.

Bee Asha’s Goodbye, Gracious was named in the running for the prestigious Scottish Album of the Year.

The award, which has previously been won by artists including Young Fathers, Mogwai and Kathryn Joseph, was launched more than a decade ago.

Goodbye, Gracious was longlisted for the prize, which comes with the coveted title and a £20,000 first-place prize.

And, although it failed to make it through to the 10-strong shortlist, Bee, a spoken word artist and rapper, was still delighted with the recognition.

The 31-year-old said: “It was really exciting.

“I was in shock to be in a line-up with all those people.

“To be chosen as one of the top-20 albums from 400 albums was unreal.”

Two years ago, Bee released an EP before turning attention to Goodbye, Gracious.

She told the Courier how she “loved” the album, which was self-released earlier this year.

According to the Scottish Album of the Year Awards, the album is “a place where Bee Asha gave herself the opportunity to explore the connections and disconnection she has experienced within herself, with the people she has loved and with life as a whole”.

The winner of the award will be announced later this month at Stirling’s Albert Halls.

This year’s judging panel is made up of a number of industry experts, including Stephanie Cheape from BBC Radio Scotland, Hazel Berry of Amazon Music, and comedian Karen Dunbar.

Bee, who grew up near Innerwick and now lives in Leith, has enjoyed success in Scottish music awards before, having won Best Newcomer at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards in 2021.

Now, she is looking forward to a busy few months.

Bee, who also made headlines as part of The Honey Farm, works independently with no manager or team behind her.

She said: “I have been recording some more things.

“I’ve got a launch for the album on December 13 in Leith Cricket Club and I am really excited to be supporting Stereo MC’s this weekend in the Liquid Rooms.

“I’m going down to London in November to be part of the Scottish Showcase for St Andrews Day.

“I love creating and performing.”

The album is available from beeasha.com