CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Scots Language Awards make much anticipated return

The Scots Language Awards return for its 2024 edition and will this year take place at Cumnock Town Hall on Saturday 14th September.

Scots Language Awards make much anticipated return

Article Source: Scots Language Awards
Last Updated: 13 June 2024 14:12

The much anticipated awards ceremony, organised by Hands up for Trad, launches today on the Scottish Poetry Library’s ‘Gie’s a Scots Poem Day’, in a bid to highlight the importance of the Scots language in daily life, education, business, arts and culture.

As one of Scotland’s three indigenous languages, Scots is a growing tongue. The latest census saw the number of people in Scotland with some skills in Scots increase to over 46%, with speakers spanning several dialects, including Doric, and stretching across regions from the Borders to Orkney.

For the first time, the awards ceremony will be hosted in Ayrshire, an area with a rich history and close ties to the Scots language, with Lallan Scots widely spoken across the area’s mining towns and Alloway in South Ayrshire best known as the birthplace of Robert Burns.

Celebrating figures who champion the Scots language, categories at the sixth annual Scots Language Awards will include Scots Business of the Year, Scots Writer of the Year, Scots Teacher of the Year and the widely regarded Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award.

Hosted by celebrated Scots speakers Taylor Dyson and Shane Strachan, the event will also feature a host of incredible performances from local artists including Seán Gray, a singer, flute player and guitarist from Coylton in Ayrshire.

Scots Language Awards organiser and Hands up for Trad Creative Director, Simon Thoumire, said: “It’s fantastic to see the continued resurgence of Scots as one of the three languages of Scotland as more and more young Scots connect with their heritage every year. It’s so important that the language and culture is celebrated and what better place to do this than a region where the language is so loved.

“So many of us use Scots in our everyday lives, it is a proud part of our identity and these awards serve to mark that and promote the language’s relevance, potential, and the value it holds in modern Scotland. We’re delighted to bring the awards ceremony to Ayrshire this year and hope to see many Scots speakers join us for a braw celebration this September.”


East Ayrshire Provost Jim Todd said: “Well, this is braw news! Ayrshire is the perfect place to hold the Scots Language Awards.

“Back in 2022, Amanda Dunn from Shortlees Primary School was recognised as teacher of the year after being nominated by parents and carers from the school for her work promoting the Scots language.

“Scots Language is an important part of our heritage, it is the language of our national poet Robert Burns and I am delighted that there has been a huge rise in interest in the language. Scots ought tae be part o iviry day livin.”


First launched in 2019, the Scots Language Awards recognise the amazing efforts and work of the people and organisations who all use and speak Scots’ unique culture, music and words. The events’ partners include East Ayrshire Council, Scottish Government, National Library of Scotland, Education Scotland, Creative Scotland, SQA, Scottish Book Trust, Itchy Coo and B&W Publishing.

Scots Language Awards nominations will be open from 22nd July - 4th August with the vote taking place between 26th August - 8th September. The 2024 awards ceremony will take place at Cumnock Town Hall on 14th September 2024. Visit www.scotslanguageawards.com for more information.

Sponsored Links

Napier Uni
Napier Uni
Pawrade

Latest Lanarkshire News

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors

The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors

2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical

Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical

Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.

READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day

Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day

For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.

READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

READ MORE
East Kilbride film fanatic honoured at London ceremony

East Kilbride film fanatic honoured at London ceremony

Martin Durning (31) of East Kilbride was presented with a Movie Munchies Award at the inaugural ODEON Extras awards in London on Wednesday 30th April.

READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

READ MORE
Amazonia celebrates cracking Easter arrival

Amazonia celebrates cracking Easter arrival

Staff at Amazonia, a temperature controlled tropical indoor attraction within M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, received a special surprise with the arrival of the first ever hatched red footed tortoise.

READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.

READ MORE
Hat trick of nominations for M&Ds

Hat trick of nominations for M&Ds

M&D's Scotland's Theme Park has been nominated for three awards at the Scottish Entertainment & Hospitality Awards.

READ MORE
Aldi brings their famous Supermarket Sweep to East Kilbride

Aldi brings their famous Supermarket Sweep to East Kilbride

Aldi Scotland's Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in East Kilbride the chance to raise funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!

READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.

READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.

READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.

READ MORE
Easter Kilbride: Have breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Easter Kilbride: Have breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Di Maggio's East Kilbride launches inaugural Easter Bunny event, here's everything you need to know to book a morning of egg-cellent fun with your little ones!

READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars

BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.

READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland

The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!

READ MORE
Local business creates woodland walk for community

Local business creates woodland walk for community

A nature walk has been created through woodland in Motherwell thanks to local company Lisini Pub Ltd and the council.

READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

ATG
Go Radio
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

Napier Uni
Napier Uni
Pawrade
ATG
Go Radio
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Excelsior Events: Ravenscraig Comic & Toy Con
Excelsior Events are bringing their Comic & Toy Con to Ravenscraig Sports Centre on Saturday 10th May!
An Evening with Watt Nicol
Clydesdale Community Initiatives are delighted to present an evening with the legendary folksinger Watt Nicoll MP at Langloch Farm on Friday 16th May!
The McDougalls: Pirate Adventure
Packed with singalong songs such as Row Row Row Your Boat and A Sailor Went to Sea, join The McDougalls for a fun-filled afternoon at Airdrie Town Hall!
LIVE at the Distillery: Jack Calum Richardson
Join Jackton Distillery on Saturday 10th May for an afternoon of live music, drinks and carousing featuring the unmissable, unstoppable singer-songwriter Jack Calum Richardson!
Calderstock
Come along to Calderglen Country Park for Calderstock... the annual afternoon of live music, dance and interactive entertainment for all the family to enjoy!

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton