Glory for Scots speakers at national awards
The winners of the Scots Language Awards 2024 were crowned on Saturday at a celebratory ceremony in Ayrshire.
Article Source: Scots Language Awards
Last Updated: 16 September 2024 11:04
Held at Cumnock Town Hall, in partnership with East Ayrshire Council, the sixth annual awards ceremony saw 13 individuals, projects and organisations celebrated for their contributions.
First hosted in 2019, the Scots Language Awards showcase the Scots leid – one of the country’s indigenous languages – and celebrate the people who champion its use in daily life, education, business, arts and culture.
This year, for the first time, the event was held in Ayrshire – a region steeped in Scots language, culture and tradition and home to celebrated poet Robert Burns.
Jim Mackintosh from Perth took home the Scots Writer o the Year award, sponsored by National Library of Scotland. A celebrated poet, Jim regularly features on stage at literary festivals and has published six collections, edited four anthologies and translated a collection from Italian into Scots.
This year’s Scots Book o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Book Trust is Poyums by Len Pennie. Poyums is Len’s debut - a collection of sixty four powerful poems, many written in the Scots language.
The award for Scots Bairns Book o the Year, sponsored by the Scottish Government was given to Riverbank Primary’s Summer e Magic Scurry. The book was written by the Primary 5F class at the school in Aberdeen and features a story about a naughty herring gull who takes the pupils on an adventure.
Local teacher Danielle McNulty from New Cumnock Primary School in East Ayrshire was named Scots Teacher o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Qualifications Authority.
New Cumnock Primary School was also awarded Scots Schuil o the Year, thanks to their dedication to showcasing the Scots language as part of their curriculum. The award is sponsored by Itchy Coo and Black & White Publishing.
Doric Film Festival won the award for Scots Cultural Project o the Year. The acclaimed festival is the brainchild of Scots Radio Director Frieda Morrison, showcasing Doric language and culture through film.
The Scots Educational Project o the Year award was presented to the Open University’s Scots language teacher professional learning programme. The course is designed to upskill teachers of any subject and allow them to incorporate Scots language and culture into the classroom.
Scots Language theatre company Braw Clan from Lanarkshire was named Scots Community Project o the Year. The group makes gripping new plays in Scots, inspired by the history and people of Clydesdale, for rural audiences in southern Scotland.
This year’s Scots Stage Production o the Year award went to Sunset Song by Dundee Rep Theatre in co-production with Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. The production, which toured stages across Scotland in Spring, is a revitalised and reimagined adaptation of Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s powerful coming-of-age tale.
Martin O’Connor from Glasgow was named Scots Performer o the Year, sponsored by TRACS. Director of the Tron Theatre Young Company, and associate artist with Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre, Martin has worked as a tutor for many years and is currently Artist in Residence with Inverclyde, and with Glasgow Life Creative Communities, working with venues, schools and individuals on a range of poetry activities.
The esteemed Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award was presented to local Cumnock-born poet Rab Wilson. One of Scotland’s most accomplished poets, Rab has published a number of highly praised volumes of poetry and is a valued Burns scholar, currently the scriever in residence for the National Trust of Scotland based at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
Liz Niven from Dumfries and Galloway was named Scots Champion 2024. Liz has published several poetry collections and has written and edited texts to support Scots language work in education, teaching creative writing and working with hundreds of pupils throughout the year, inspiring them to write their own poetry.
Rudi Hawkins took home the Young Scots Writer o the Year award, sponsored by Education Scotland.
As well as the award presentations, there was also a host of incredible entertainment on display last night, including musical performances from talented Coylton singer, flautist and guitarist Seán Gray, Scots singer and fiddler Rose Byers, and award winning duo Breanna Wilson and Sophie Joint.
Attendees were also treated to a recital from celebrated National Library of Scotland’s Scots Scriever Susi Briggs and a joint performance by accomplished folk singer Claire Hastings and writer, broadcaster and advocate Billy Kay.
Scots Leid Award organiser an Hands Up For Trad Creative Director, Simon Thoumire haed thae wirds: “Whit a nicht! It wis oor honour an delicht tae annoonce this year’s Scots Language Awards winners - the braw fowk keepin oor bonnie Scots leid tae the fore spiekin it ilka day in thir daily livin, in eddication, business, airts an culture.
“Mony thanks tae aabody taein the time tae nominate an vote (mair than ivver afore!) fir the awards, tae the musicians an airtists, an aa wha jined us at Cumnock Toon Ha - we are sae gled o yer support acause we cuidnae dae it wioot ye!”
East Ayrshire Provost Jim Todd said: “It was wonderful to be able to host such a special evening in Cumnock and even more incredible that we were able to celebrate our very own local winners from New Cumnock. My sincere congratulations go to Scots Teacher o the Year Danielle McNulty from New Cumnock Primary School, and to the school itself for winning the prestigious Scots Schuil o the Year for the passion and commitment it shows to making sure its pupils learn about the importance of the Scots language.
“Congratulations also go to Rab Wilson, a well-kent name in East Ayrshire and indeed the whole of Scotland, for his award which recognises his important work in relation to Burns and his impressive catalogue of poetry in the Scots language.
"The whole ceremony was filled with so many talented people who all work incredibly hard to promote the Scots leid across Ayrshire and it was truly inspiring and heart-warming to hear their stories and to be able to celebrate this wonderful language with them.”
Karen Dick, Head of Place, Partnerships and Communities at Creative Scotland said: “Weel done tae a’ winners an’ nominees! The remarkable creativity and diversity showcased by those working in Scots, as highlighted by the Awards, emphasise the significance of nurturing the ongoing growth and celebration of the Scots Language. We’re excited to partner with Hands Up for Trad on the Wee Grants for Creativity in the Scots Leid again this year.”
The Scots Language Awards are among a number of events and outreach activities carried out by Hands Up For Trad as part of the organisation’s ongoing vital cultural advocacy work, promoting and developing Scotland’s indigenous cultural assets.
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Cast announced for new Cumbernauld panto Baltic
Ginger and Jester Productions announces the cast for its upcoming panto at Cumbernauld Theatre, Baltic, written by Jerry Taylor.
READ MORE
Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The limited-time experience is the first-of-its-kind at Topgolf Glasgow in collaboration with Marvel Studios!
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Play more, spend less at Topgolf Glasgow this Summer
Topgolf Glasgow is dialling up the fun with a fresh range of value offers launching throughout the summer, helping players maximise their experience by giving them more for less!
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
East Kilbride shopper scoops prize for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep
One lucky East Kilbride winner has raised £739.03 for Children's Hospices Across Scotland while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for himself on the Supermarket Sweep challenge!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Albino stage performer takes part in LIVE event with Amazonia to cure spider and snake fears
An Albino hypnotist and mind reader who was inspired by Derren Brown to launch a stage career has helped people to cure their fear of exotic spiders and snakes.
READ MORE
New Power Trail launches at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde
A brand new 'Power Trail' has officially launched at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde, exploring the remarkable story of waterpower, from 18th-century cotton mills to 21st-century renewable energy.
READ MORE
M&Ds lends support to unpaid carers
M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is celebrating National Carers Week (9th to 15th June) by offering exclusive discounts to unpaid carers in recognition of the huge amount work that they do.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Miss Rachel fever hits Scotland
Miss Rachel fever, the American YouTuber who creates baby and toddler learning videos, is sweeping Scotland.
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links