It was to commemorate the presidency of the Royal Scottish Academy by James Guthrie.
It is usual for the award to go to a painting and its artist, but occasionally sculptures and sculptors have also won.
In 2021 the award was won by the artist and film-maker Emily Beaney for an experimental documentary.
The award is open to any nationality, but the exhibition participants must be based and active in Scotland.
[1] The under 35 age requirement and the sheer number of exhibits - now around 600 annually - mean that the Guthrie Award is difficult to win more than once; however this has been done: by Heather Ross in 2006 and 2007; and by Julie-Ann Simpson in 2014 and 2019.