Tag: Scottish Book Trust

Businesses unite to spread Christmas cheer to thousands through shoebox appeal

·        Royal Bank of Scotland’s Winter Sparkle festive campaign aims to bring cheer to 10,000 people and families this Christmas

·        Bank’s charity partner BaxterStorey is distributing 100,000 meals to the country’s most vulnerable as part of the drive

·        Businesses and organisations including The Scottish Book Trust, Tesco and Amazon back the drive

·        Social Bite, Cyrenians, The Felix Project and Edinburgh Food Project help take the programme to Scotland’s neediest communities

Royal Bank of Scotland has partnered with hospitality provider BaxterStorey and security company G4S, to distribute more than 10,000 shoeboxes full of toys, books, games, food and items of clothing for vulnerable people and families across Scotland, as part of the bank’s Winter Sparkle initiative.

The shoeboxes – which have been packed in a socially distant setting at the bank’s Gogarburn HQ in Edinburgh – are being given to charity partners Social Bite, Cyrenians, The Felix Project and Edinburgh Food Project, to distribute amongst thousands of individuals and families they support across the country.

Catering company BaxterStorey will also prepare and deliver an additional 100,000 cooked meals for vulnerable families in Scotland, thanks to generous donations of fresh produce from a number of the Royal Bank’s agricultural customers. 

Other supporters of the project include the Scottish Book Trust, Tesco and Business in the Community, while employees and customers of the bank have been able to purchase items via a bespoke Amazon wish list.

The shoebox initiative is the latest project from the team behind the foodbank distribution centre at Gogarburn. It was set up in March by bank employee, Sheena Hales, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to offer charities a space to store large food deliveries. In October, Sheena was awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of her efforts.

Since opening, the foodbank centre has distributed around 6,000 meals per week, taken in huge donations including 220,000 items of new clothing, and welcomed truckloads of potatoes and carrots – all to be issued by charities to those in need.

Along with donations of food and clothing, the foodbank has also helped furnish a homeless shelter in Glasgow and through a partnership with the Scottish Book Trust, has provided families with learning packs, storybooks and even tablets and Wi-Fi access to support with remote learning.

Sheena Hales, Programme Capability Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland and Manager of the Gogarburn distribution centre, said: “Christmas can always be a challenging time but the events and added pressures of 2020 have undoubtedly created extra stress and anxiety for many families.

“The foodbank has been committed to supporting those in need since the onset of the pandemic and while the food parcels will be essential, it’s also our hope that the little extra treats in the boxes will put a few smiles on faces this festive season.

“Crucially, this has been a team effort and none of it would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers or the generosity of our staff, customers and strategic partners who have worked tirelessly to make the foodbank what it is”

Caroline Bacigalupo, Operations Manager at BaxterStorey, said: “We are delighted to have been working with local community councils and local charities, supplying a variety of sweet treats and hearty meals.

“This Christmas, we plan to fill over 10,000 boxes for Christmas gifts and food packages to help those in need across Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

“With the ongoing support of our team at BaxterStorey, G4S and of course Royal Bank of Scotland, we will be out delivering the packages in the run-up to Christmas.”

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “The work that our foodbank team has delivered throughout 2020 has been truly admirable and the results achieved reflect the unwavering commitment of our staff, customers and partners, who have all gone above and beyond to support those in their local communities.

“Under Sheena’s leadership, the team have been working behind the scenes to coordinate, manage and store huge deliveries and have all been busy packing up the shoeboxes ready for distribution. Our charity partners will then take the wheel, allocating the boxes to the incredibly deserving individuals and families within their support networks.”

Edinburgh Ignite Fellowship awardees announced

Scottish Book Trust has announced the third Ignite Fellowship awardees.

The Fellowship supports established writers who are embarking on a significant project. This year, the panel selected poet and performer Courtney Stoddart and artist and filmmaker Raman Mundair. Poet and translator Niall O’Gallagher has been selected as the Gaelic Ignite Fellowship awardee, funded by the Gaelic Books Council.

The Ignite Fellows will receive a £2000 bursary and tailored creative support to suit their individual projects. The fellowship will run for one year, from December 2020 to December 2021.

Courtney Stoddart, from Edinburgh, is a Scottish-Caribbean performer whose work focuses racism, womanhood and growing up in Scotland.

She has featured in various theatrical productions, including Hannah Lavery’s Lament For Sheku Bayoh at the Lyceum Theatre. Courtney recently featured at the Edinburgh International Book Festival and appeared on Damian Barr’s The Big Scottish Book Club.

During her Ignite Fellowship, Courtney will work on her first poetry pamphlet featuring themes of race, identity and the ramifications of colonialism and imperialism.

Courtney Stoddart said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected for this year’s Ignite fellowship. I am incredibly thankful to Scottish Book Trust for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started on my project.”

Raman Mundair is an Indian born writer who is based in Shetland and Glasgow. She is an award-winning author and was longlisted for the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative Award and is a winner of the Robert Louis Stevenson Award and a Leverhulme Fellowship.

Raman has published poetry, fiction, drama and non-fiction and has performed and exhibited her artwork around the world from Aberdeen to Zimbabwe. She is currently a dramaturg and mentor for Scottish Youth Theatre on the Stories 2020 project. Raman will use the fellowship to bring her work into focus with the help of her mentor.

Raman Mundair said: “I am delighted to be offered this opportunity and look forward to possibilities that it will open for me and chance to amplify my voice and work as a hitherto overlooked writer, artist and director.”

Niall O’Gallagher, based in Glasgow, is the author of three books of poetry in Gaelic and was the recipient of a New Writers Award from the Scottish Book Trust ten years ago.

In 2019 Niall was named Bàrd Baile Ghlaschu, the City of Glasgow’s first Gaelic Poet Laureate. In 2020 he won the Gaelic prize in the Wigtown Poetry Competition for his poem ‘Penelope’.

During his fellowship, Niall will be working on his fourth book, a verse-novella called Litreachan Plàighe (Plague Letters), told through a series of letters between characters who find themselves separated from one another.

Niall O’Gallagher said: “I’m delighted. The New Writers Award I received from Scottish Book Trust and Gaelic Books Council in 2010 really helped me take my poetry from my notebook into print.

“I’m excited to work with them again as I develop my work further.”

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “The Ignite Fellowship is important as it helps to give already established artists a boost in their career.

“In what has been a challenging year, we hope this award will provide inspiration and support, and we look forward to seeing the new projects from the writers.”

Book Week Scotland programme launched

Book Week Scotland: Monday 16 November – Sunday 22 November

Scottish Book Trust has launched Book Week Scotland’s 2020 programme, which focuses on the theme of Future. Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has worked closely with partners to ensure the celebration will go ahead this year in a digital format due to the current pandemic.

Book Week Scotland is the country’s biggest celebration of reading and writing and it returns for its ninth year from Monday 16 November to Sunday 22 November. Although there will be no face-to-face events this year, the Digital Festival has a stellar line-up including award-winning author Denise Mina; actress and comedian Ruby Wax; bestselling crime writer Louise Welsh and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

To kick off the programme, writer Luke Winter joins Book Week Scotland for Dial a Story, a live writing service that will take place in Edinburgh on Monday 16 November.

Stationed at the Scottish Book Trust phonebox, Luke will be available to write personalised stories on his typewriter, which will be mailed to the participant. Members of the public can call Luke on 07818 173 266 between 11am and 2pm.

There will also be the opportunity for the public to take part in an online treasure hunt via Scottish Book Trust’s social media for the chance to win a Zoom appointment with Luke Winter. During the session, he will write a unique story for the winner: a perfect Christmas present for a loved one or friend.

An avid reader herself, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will join #BookShelfChat: sharing favourites from her own bookcase. The public are also encouraged to join in on Tuesday 17 November by sharing photographs of their own bookshelves using the hashtag.

Libraries and community groups across Scotland are also taking part in Book Week Scotland, with digital events in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire. More information can be found here.

50,000 free copies of the Future book, which includes real life stories from people around the country, will be available from libraries and other community venues during Book Week Scotland. A selection of 30 stories are featured in the book, which also includes work from author Abir Mukherjee of A Rising Man and poets Romalyn Ante of Antiemetic for Homesickness and Dean Atta of Black Flamingo.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Book Week Scotland will look different this year. However, we’re still excited to present a diverse and engaging programme with some of the biggest names in the Scottish literary scene and beyond.

“Whether it is joining our Digital Festival, reading the Future book or voting for the novel that sums up 2020, we hope everyone is able to take part this year in some form. Thanks also to our partners for working hard to make Book Week Scotland possible despite the difficulties.”

Viccy Adams, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Book Week Scotland connects people and communities across the country with the joys of reading for pleasure every year and sparks the imagination of the nation.

“In these difficult and uncertain times, this programme will help people access the solace and support that books bring into our lives and homes.”

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of The Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) said: “SLIC is delighted to support Book Week Scotland. The power of literature has never been more important than in 2020. While library buildings may have closed during lockdown, readers still managed to turn to books as a welcome escape from the pressures of the pandemic and we witnessed an unprecedented spike in downloads of our digital reading resources.

“As such, I’m sure there will be a big appetite for Book Week Scotland’s Digital Festival. Libraries across Scotland are enthusiastically planning online content. There are some terrific names on the programme and it will provide the perfect opportunity for people of all ages and interests to engage, learn and be inspired by the joy of reading.”

Book Week Scotland event highlights:

Monday 16 November

  • 11am – 2pm: Luke Winter will be available via telephone (07818 173 266) or by visiting the Scottish Book Trust phonebox (George IV Bridge, outside Bank of Scotland). The event will operate within COVID-19 restrictions.
  • 12.30pm: Scottish literature and slavery – a walk along tour with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association. Lisa Williams, director of ECA takes playwright and poet Hannah Lavery on a literary-inspired tour of the capital city. The event will explore Edinburgh’s deep connections with Africa, Asia and the Caribbean from the 16th century to the present day.

Tuesday 17 November

  • First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joins #BookShelfChat with a tour of her bookshelf.
  • 8-bit game ‘Robert Burns Saves the World’ featuring Scottish literary characters launches – play as Jackie Kay, Muriel Spark, Robert Louis Stevenson, Nan Shepherd and many more notable figures.
  • 8pm: Comic writer Neil Slorance hosts Comic Jam via Twitch.

Wednesday 18 November

  • Book Week Scotland vote result announced: if 2020 was a book, what would it be? Vote now for your favourite here.
  • 12.30pm: Author Ross Sayers has a rallying cry for young writers in a new film.
  • 8pm: Award-winning author Denise Mina in conversation with Red Handed, true crime podcasters Suruthi Bala and Hannah Macguire.

Thursday 19 November

  • 12pm -2pm: The popular #ReadingLunch returns! The public are encouraged to post their lunch and their current read on social media with the hashtag.
  • 4pm: Writing The Cutting Room: a film premiere featuring behind the scenes stories from Louise Welsh’s debut, award-winning novel.
  • 8pm:New Suns, Different Futures – Faridah Àbíké-Íyímíde and Andrea Hairston, chaired by Nyla Ahmad, discuss the anthology which showcases emerging and seasoned writers of colour telling stories of speculative fiction.

Friday 20 November

  • 10am: Punching the Air: award-winning, bestselling author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Dr Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five discuss their powerful YA novel in verse about a boy who is wrongfully incarcerated – chaired by award-winning author Patrice Lawrence.
  • 12.30pm: See You in 10 Years: a film exploring the journey with Scottish Book Trust, patron Val McDermid and National Library of Scotland, who have worked together to develop a time capsule that will include writing from young people of Scotland. Glasgow Artist Ali Forbes has been commissioned to design the capsule.
  • 4pm: Big Book Week Scotland quiz: join Scottish Book Trust for this fun literary quiz to fundraise for the charity.

Saturday 21 November

  • #BookSwoonScotland: join in online and post the best book covers you own.
  • 4pm: Writing Disabilities in Fiction: author Ever Dundas and crime writer Nell Pattison discuss the barriers they have faced during publication and what equals good representation in fiction.

Sunday 22 November

  • 10.30am: Futures, Connecting and Faith with author Leila Aboulela and poet Nadine Aisha Jassat.
  • 4pm: To the Future with Love – actor and comedian Ruby Wax ends the week on a high with historian and author Rutger Bregman, hosted by writer Heather Parry.

On all week

The Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour will run from Monday 16 – Friday 20 November with Robin Stevens, author of the best-selling Murder Most Unladylike series.

Robin will be beaming digitally into 60 schools across 22 Scottish local authorities. For schools not attending the virtual tour, they can still take part on Twitter with a murder mystery takeover including fun activities for the classroom.

The Book Week Scotland 2020 programme is now live and can be found here.

British sign language and closed captions will be available for all the panel events.

Two Edinburgh authors feature in 2021 Bookbug Picture Book Prize

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the shortlist for the 2021 Bookbug Picture Book Prize. Now in its fifth year, the shortlist includes Morag Hood, Ross Collins and Zoë Ingram.

The award was established to celebrate the most popular picture books by Scottish authors and illustrators and to encourage reading for pleasure.

The winner is chosen by thousands of children across the country who can cast their votes online either at school with their teacher or at home with their families, via the Scottish Book Trust website.

THE BOOKBUG PICTURE BOOK PRIZE 2021 SHORTLIST IS:

  • Brenda is a Sheep by Morag Hood (Two Hoots)
  • This is a Dog by Ross Collins (Nosy Crow)
  • My First Book of Birds illustrated by Zoë Ingram (Walker Books)

Morag Hood and Zoë Ingram are both from Edinburgh, while Ross Collins is from Glasgow.

The 2021 shortlist features Brenda who believes she is a sheep but is different from her fluffy friends; a dog that steals the show and plans to keep it that way, and an illustrated spotter’s guide that is an ideal introduction to garden birds.

Families can watch the books being read aloud here.

The winner of the Bookbug Picture Book Prize will be announced in an exclusive video to all registered groups on Thursday 4 March 2021 (World Book Day).

The winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy and £2,000 while shortlisted authors and illustrators receive £500 per book.

62,000 pupils across Scotland will receive a free copy of each of the three books on the shortlist, which are given to every Primary 1 child during Book Week Scotland (16 November – 22 November), in the Bookbug P1 Family Bag.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “It’s always a delight to see familiar faces on the Bookbug Picture Book Prize, which was established to celebrate the work of great authors and illustrators in Scotland.

“We hope families across the country will enjoy reading these books together, and vote for the one they enjoy most.”

Alan Bett, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “The Bookbug Picture Book Prize promotes reading for enjoyment and engages young readers, not only through a fantastic shortlist of titles, but also by empowering them with the decision to choose the winner. Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors and illustrators.”

The deadline for voting is Friday 5 February at 5pm.

Bookbug Hero Award searches for Early Years champion

Scottish Book Trust has announced that nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award 2021 are now open.

Run in association with Walker Books, the award aims to honour someone working with Bookbug who has used the programme to make a real difference to the lives of the young children, families and communities they work with.

Scottish Book Trust is asking people across the country to nominate a librarian, early years worker, volunteer, health visitor, or anyone who uses Bookbug in their work. The winner will receive a special trophy and a bundle of picture books worth £500 from Walker Books.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “It’s fitting to open nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award on International Literacy Day, as the Bookbug programme aims to support speech and language development through songs and rhymes.

“There are many fantastic Bookbug practitioners working across Scotland inspiring the next generation of readers and writers. Our thanks to Walkers Books for supporting the prize and allowing us to celebrate their work.”

Myra Mains, winner of the Bookbug Hero Award 2020, said: “I was overwhelmed but absolutely delighted to receive the very first Bookbug Hero Award.

“I have loved being involved with the Bookbug programme since it started in 2010. Sharing stories, songs and rhymes is fun but Bookbug is so much more than fun and having the opportunity to help share the many benefits to families is so rewarding in itself!

Bookbug is definitely a team effort and it’s an absolute joy to be part of Bookbug’s extended family!”

Jane Winterbotham, Publishing Director at Walker Books said: “We really appreciate all that Bookbug and the heroes who run the programmes do for communities and we are really pleased that we can continue to show our appreciation and support of that work by sponsoring the award.

“We love that it shines a light on those practitioners who champion reading, and work tirelessly to change lives through stories and can’t wait to hear more about the next winner!”

Nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award can be made online via Scottish Book Trust’s website. 

The closing date for nominations is Friday 30 October 2020.

Scottish Teenage Book Prize shortlist announced

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has revealed today the shortlist for the 2021 Scottish Teenage Book Prize.

The three titles chosen by the panel are Evernight by Ross MacKenzie, The Gifted, The Talented and Me by William Sutcliffe and White Eagles by Elizabeth Wein.

Scottish Book Trust encourages teenagers of all ages to join the biggest book club in the country: by reading the three shortlisted books and voting as part of their class, book group or individually by Friday 5 March 2021. Those who participate in voting will also receive Young Scot points.

The Scottish Teenage Book Prize, now in its fifth year, was set up to celebrate the most popular teen books by authors in Scotland. It is run by Scottish Book Trust with support from Creative Scotland. Shortlisted authors receive £500 and the winner receives £3,000.

To find out more about the shortlisted titles, readers can use Bookzilla, a free app for early secondary school students in Scotland. Young people can receive tailored book recommendations, see what is popular among their classmates and challenge themselves to try something new with a reading dare. The app promotes different featured collections every month and is available to download on the app store or Google Play.

The panel for the Scottish Teenage Book Prize included Shelagh Toonen, librarian at Elgin Academy, Moray and Stephen Shiels, librarian at The Royal High School, Edinburgh, along with staff from Scottish Book Trust.

The winning title will be announced on Wednesday 31 March 2021, in an exclusive video available to classes who are registered to vote. Young people can register to vote online via Scottish Book Trust’s website: scottishbooktrust.com/stbp.

THE SCOTTISH TEENAGE BOOK PRIZE 2020 SHORTLIST IS:

  • Evernight by Ross MacKenzie (Andersen)
  • The Gifted, The Talented and Me by William Sutcliffe (Bloomsbury)
  • White Eagles by Elizabeth Wein (Barrington Stoke)

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Many congratulations to all the authors on the Scottish Teenage Book Prize shortlist.

“We look forward to seeing teenagers and schools getting involved with the prize as they do every year. This is the first year young people can vote individually, so we hope many will take the opportunity to vote for their favourite shortlisted book.”

Alan Bett, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “Congratulations to the three authors shortlisted for the 2021 Scottish Teenage Book Prize.

“As well as recognising talented young writers and bringing their work to new readers, the spirit in which these awards are made through peer voting, is so important. We’re delighted to support an award that is a positive step for both authors and the reading public.”

Quotes and information on the shortlisted titles:

Ross MacKenzie lives in Renfrew, where he grew up. He is multi award-winning author of books for children, including The Nowhere Emporium, which won both the Blue Peter Book Award and Scottish Children’s Book Award.

Ross regularly visits primary schools, libraries and literary festivals where he discusses the power of stories and imagination, and holds Q&A sessions and writing workshops.

Ross said: “I’m equal parts surprised and thrilled that Evernight is on the shortlist for this year’s Scottish Teenage Book Prize!

“It’s wonderful to know that readers all over the country will soon be venturing into the dangerous dark places of the Silver Kingdom. I wish you all a good journey.”

William Sutcliffe is based in Edinburgh and has published 12 novels, including five for young adults.

Over the years he has done many events, including talks, readings and workshops for all ages. His novel The Wall was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal) and Concentr8 was shortlisted for the YA book prize.

William said: “I am thrilled to be on the shortlist for the Scottish Teenage Book Prize again.

“My visits to schools around Scotland are an endless source of inspiration for me as a writer. Meeting the teenage readers of this country and talking about politics and fiction is always fascinating, and I never fail to travel home with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for my job.

“I’m delighted to be part of this prize, and am looking forward to meeting some of the new readers it will bring to my books.”

Elizabeth Wein was born in New York, and grew up in England, Jamaica and Pennsylvania. She now lives in Perth, Scotland.

Elizabeth is a member of the Ninety-Nines, the International Organization of Women Pilots. She was awarded the Scottish Aero Club’s Watson Cup for best student pilot in 2003 and it was her love of flying that partly inspired the idea for Code Name Verity.

Elizabeth said: “I’m grateful, honoured, and delighted to have White Eagles  represent Barrington Stoke on the Scottish Teenage Book Prize shortlist!

“In this time of uncertainty and isolation, it means the world to me to be able to share this story of solidarity and flight with young readers across Scotland.”

New books receive funding from Scots Language Publication Grant

Nine new books in Scots have been awarded funding by the Scots Language Publication Grant.

Now in its second year, the Scots Language Publication Grant was created by the Scots Language Resource Network to support Scots publishers and to encourage Scots writers. It is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing.

Applications were assessed by a panel with expertise in Scots and publishing, including a writer and representatives from Creative Scotland, Education Scotland and Publishing Scotland.

The successful titles are:

  • The Itchy Coo Book of Grimm’s Fairy Tales by Saviour Pirotta, illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark, translated by Matthew Fitt and James Robertson (Itchy Coo/Black & White Publishing)
  • Duck Feet by Ely Percy (Monstrous Regiment Publishing)
  • The Leerie by Stuart Armstrong & Joseph Daly (Leerie Press)
  • A Nicht Afore Christmas by Irene McFarlane & Rosemary Cunningham (Tippermuir Books)
  • Ghost Polis by Matthew Fitt, 
  • But N Ben a Go Go (audiobook) by Matthew Fitt, 
  • Scotsaga by Donald Smith,
  • A Short Story Collection in Scots by Gerda Stevenson and The Classics in Scots by William Imray Brown(Luath). 

The Scots Language Publication Grant provides assistance for publishing new work (including translated texts), reprinting existing historical or culturally significant work, and also effective marketing and promotion of existing and new work.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, said: “The Scottish Government is a strong supporter of our indigenous languages, including Scots.

 “We want to support those who wish to learn and use the language and access new and exciting reading materials. These books are for adults and children, encouraging a love of Scots from an early age.

 “We have invested £30,000 funding towards the Scottish Book Trust grant for publishers. This is the second year that we have supported the grant and it is hoped it will foster the development of new writers.”

Rhona Alcorn, CEO of Scottish Language Dictionaries and Chair of The Scots Language Resource Network, said: “The Scots Language Resource Network is incredibly proud of this grant.

“By helping Scots publishers publish new work in Scots, we directly influence the number of titles on the Scots language shelves of libraries and book shops, real and virtual. For those for whom Scots is a first or subsequent language, this broadening of choice is immensely gratifying.”

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see a diverse range of titles receiving the Scots Publication Grant: from classic fairy tales to brand new zines.

“Our thanks to the Scottish Language Resource Network for their excellent recommendations, and to the Scottish Government for funding this programme which helps to support publications in the Scots language.”

A Short Story Collection in Scots is by Gerda Stevenson, anaward-winning writer, actor, theatre director and singer-songwriter. She has worked on stage, television, radio, film and in opera, throughout the UK and abroad.

Gerda Stevenson said: “I look forward to the challenge of another creative journey into the unknown with the supple Scots language, and appreciate the support of this grant.” 

Scotsaga will be a bold reinvention in one interlinked narrative of Norse sagas, myths, folktales and legends connected with Scotland.

Donald Smith said: “I am honoured to receive support from the Scots Publication Grant fund. I want to show how Scots takes us into new areas of cultural expression and linguistic virtuosity. I hope that Scotsaga will intrigue readers and sustain the role of Scots as an international literary medium.”

Next Chapter Award opens for submissions

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has announced today that the Next Chapter Award 2021 is open for applications. Now in its seventh year, the award seeks submissions from talented yet unpublished writers over the age of 40.

Previous winners include Gail Honeyman, author of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, which was named book of the year at the British Book Awards in 2018. It was also the most borrowed e-book of last year. Ryan O’Connor, who won the Next Chapter Award two years ago, recently signed a two-book deal with Scribe. His debut novel The Voids will be published in 2022.

The Next Chapter Award supports an emerging writer for whom finding time and space to write has proved especially challenging. Developing a specific piece of work to publication standard will be the central aim of the award and applicants must demonstrate genuine potential for publication.

Run by Scottish Book Trust, the award provides a £2000 bursary; nine months of mentoring from a writer or industry professional; a two-week retreat at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre; training in PR, social media and performance and the opportunity to showcase work to publishers and agents.

The winner of last year’s Next Chapter Award, Olive M. Ritch, is currently working on a poetry collection, inspired by her career in social work and her home town of Orkney.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “The Next Chapter Award proves that it’s never too late to start writing, as seen from the success of Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

“The award gives the gift of time and support to write, something that many struggle to fit around their daily lives. We look forward to finding new, exciting talent within Scotland’s literary scene.”

Olive M. Ritche said: “Being the recipient of this year’s Next Chapter Award has given me a tremendous boost. As a poet of a certain age, I much appreciate the Next Chapter Award’s support for a writer over the age of forty as it is an implicit acknowledgement of the fact that age does not diminish ambition.

“I am currently working on a collection of poetry with the support of an inspiring mentor. I am also enjoying being part of a writing community. Do apply for the Next Chapter Award – it is a life-changing experience.”

The award is open to poets, novelists, authors of narrative non-fiction and children’s authors who are 40 years of age or above. The closing date is Wednesday 2 September at midday. 

Visit Scottish Book Trust’s website for more information.

Sign Up for StoryCon

Young people encouraged to sign up to free online conference, 18-19 June

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the six teenage writers and illustrators who have been recruited to steer the nationwide What’s Your Story? programme, aimed at helping to increase opportunities for young people to access and contribute to literary culture across Scotland.

Niamh Weir (below) from Clifton has been selected for the What’s Your Story? programme. Niamh, 16, is a short story writer and enjoys building worlds and creating suspense in action-packed stories while taking inspiration from issues, events and trends happening in society currently.

She has been working with her mentor, Julie Bertagna, children’s and young adult author of the award-winning Exodus (Young Picador).

This team of young writers and illustrators have been responsible for planning and hosting StoryCon 2020, Scotland’s biggest creative writing and illustration conference for young people.

This year, it will be hosted online, through Zoom workshops and how-to videos. Bestselling author Juno Dawson, comic artistic Frank Quitely and award-winning writer and journalist Patrice Lawrence are among the line-up.

StoryCon will run from Thursday 18 June to Friday 19 June, and young people can sign up for free registrations on EventBrite.

Gaelic content will also be available, supported by the Gaelic Books Council. Poet and author Morag Ann MacNeil and author Tim Armstrong will offer tips on comedy writing and sci-fi.

Young people across Scotland will also be encouraged to submit a story around the idea of ‘see you in ten years’. A selection of the work will be published and put in a time capsule, which will be re-opened in a decade’s time.

More information can be found at the What’s Your Story? website.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “This is the fifth year of the What’s Your Story? programme, which nurtures new and upcoming talent in the Scottish literary scene.

“We are grateful to our funders for making this programme possible, and also to our mentors for providing life-changing support and advice to the young people. Although it is disappointing we cannot hold StoryCon in person, we have a fantastic line-up planned, which will support young people currently learning at home.”

 Niamh Weir said: “I applied to What’s Your Story? to challenge myself to explore and develop my abilities as a writer. I hope to build my confidence and have the best time working with inspirational mentors and like-minded teens.

“I am so excited to be on the StoryBoard and to be involved in this amazing, creative community.”

The What’s Your Story? participants have been involved in creative development: benefitting from an induction programme with the National Library of Scotland, professional mentoring in their chosen forms and genres, and a week-long retreat at Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s creative writing centre, where they had dedicated time with their mentors.

The programme will culminate with a showcase, presenting the work the young people have created throughout the year. Industry experts will train the teens to perform their work live, against a background of visuals and music.

What’s Your Story? is free to take part in and travel expenses will be covered for all participants. The programme is funded by Badenoch & Co., Kiran’s Trust and private individuals.

Six teens in total were selected by a judging team, which included representatives from Creative Scotland, the National Youth Arts Advisory Group, the Super Power Agency and Scottish Book Trust. Participants were selected on the enthusiasm and dedication they expressed for teenage participation in creative and literary culture.

New Writers Awards 2021 open for applications

Submissions open for 2021 New Writers Awards 

New access fund hopes to remove barriers

Scottish Book Trust has opened for applications for 2021 New Writers Awards.

The national charity which changes lives through reading and writing has launched the search for new authors who will follow in the footsteps of Graeme Macrae Burnett of His Bloody Project and Claire Askew of All the Hidden Truths.

Over 100 titles have been published from New Writers Awardees since the prize began.

The New Writers Awards are run by Scottish Book Trust in association with Creative Scotland, and each year they provide unpublished writers with financial support to enable them to concentrate on developing their work, as well as professional guidance to help them move towards publication.

The awards are free to apply to, all travel expenses are covered and awardees are chosen by an independent panel of judges.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Year on year, we receive a high number of applications for the New Writers Awards, underlining the appetite for opportunities such as these, across English, Scots and Gaelic.

“Scottish Book Trust welcomes applications from all writers in Scotland who are previously unpublished, and we are also able to offer support to ensure the award is as flexible as possible. We look forward to receiving applications and perhaps finding a next bestseller.”

Mairi Kidd, Head of Literature, Languages & Publishing, Creative Scotland, said: “Literature and publishing thrive on the discovery of new voices but it’s not always easy for writers of promise to get their voices heard and make the leap to writing professionally.

“The opportunity offered by the New Writers Awards is an enormous support on this journey and we are already excited to read the work of the next group of writers chosen.”

Claire Askew, author and New Writers Awardee, said: “A New Writers Award isn’t just a year of support: Scottish Book Trust truly invests in your writing career, helping you to become part of a community of writers and continuing to encourage and promote your work long after your award year is over. 

“Since my award in 2011/12, I’ve worked with Scottish Book Trust on a variety of projects, from public events to CPD delivery; from readings to residencies. I really can’t recommend the New Writers Awards enough: if you’re thinking of applying, you really should!”

This year, Scottish Book trust are also introducing a new Access Fund to help support awardees with any barriers they may face. The programme is flexible and the charity works closely with awardees to help them participate as fully as possible. Support might include help with childcare costs, accommodation or equipment.

Scottish Book Trust welcomes and supports writers who are carers, unemployed or unable to work for health reasons or who face any other barriers.

The Awards will run from January 2021 – January 2022. During the programme, awardees receive:

  • A £2,000 cash award to support their writing in whatever ways suit best
  • Tailored creative development opportunities, which can include mentoring from established writers and industry professionals
  • Press and marketing, social media, performance and presentation training
  • The opportunity to showcase work to publishers and agents
  • A retreat offering time, space and the freedom to create new work in idyllic surroundings (with flexible structure based on each awardees needs)
  • A year’s free membership to the Society of Authors and a bespoke training session for awardees on contracts and rights
  • The chance to meet and engage with a group of writing peers

There are three categories: Fiction and Narrative Non-Fiction (also known as creative non-fiction), Poetry and Children’s and Young Adult Fiction. Applications may only submit to one category per year. Entries are invited in English, Scots and a combination of both.

There are also two awards for Gaelic writers, run in association with the Gaelic Books Council. There is a separate application form for writers interested in applying for a Gaelic award.

The full eligibility criteria and application for the New Writers Awards is available on Scottish Book Trust’s website.

The deadline for all applications is Wednesday 8 July at noon.