Scottish pianist Fergus McCreadie set to battle with Harry Styles and Sam Fender for Mercury Prize

A Scottish jazz pianist will battle Harry Styles and Sam Fender among nine other acclaimed musicians, for the coveted Mercury Prize.

Fergus McCreadie, from Jamestown, West Dunbartonshire, was highly commended for “Forest Floor”, earning him a place among the nominations.

The Mercury Prize, formerly called the Mercury Music Prize, is an annual music award for the best album released in the United Kingdom by a British or Irish act.

Harry Styles, Sam Fender and Little Simz are also among the 12 acts in the running for the prestigious Mercury Prize.

McCreadie earned his nomination for 'Forest Floor'. — McCreadie earned his nomination for ‘Forest Floor’. Dave Stapleton / Edition Records

McCreadie, a Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate, is renowned for combining elements of jazz with traditional Scottish music and has already picked up a Scottish Album of the Year nod.

When his nomination was first announced, he said: “It is great to be part of that for Scottish music, to have this recognition hopefully it can embolden musicians in Scotland. It feels a special thing to do.”

Harry Styles press image Lillie Eiger via Live Nation

Jessie Buckley, who portrayed aspiring Glasgow country singer Rose-Lynn Harlan in the film Wild Rose, is nominated with Bernard Butler for her album “For All Our Days That Tear The Heart”.

Former One Direction star Styles, 28, received a nomination for his third studio album Harry’s House, while Little Simz secured another Mercury prize nomination this year for Sometimes I Might be Introvert – after winning best new artist at the Brits.

Geordie singer Fender, also 28, has been nominated for his second album Seventeen Going Under.

Also among the nominees are Wet Leg, who made headlines with their Glastonbury performance earlier this year and have received a nomination for their self-titled debut album.

Self Esteem has been nominated for her second studio album, Prioritise Pleasure, alongside rock duo Nova Twins who made the final cut of nominees for their album Supernova.

This year’s presentation for the Mercury Award will feature a variety of live performances from all of the nominees apart from Styles, who will not be in attendance due to scheduling conflicts – instead, a filmed live performance will be shown to celebrate his album.

The show will be hosted by DJ and radio host Lauren Laverne, while Irish broadcaster and DJ Annie Mac will undertake the role of guest presenter.

The judging panel will comprise of musician Jamie Cullum, broadcaster Jamz Supernova, songwriter Anna Calvi, broadcaster Danielle Perry and musician Hazel Wilde, as well as Mac.

Full list of nominees: