Nominees announced for Scots Language Awards 2024

The nominees have been unveiled for the Scots Language Awards 2024, with 50 outstanding organisations and individuals in the running for 12 awards at the annual ceremony next month.

Article Source: Scots Language Awards
Last Updated: 27 August 2024 14:30

This year, for the first time, the event will be held in Ayrshire – a region steeped in Scots language, culture and tradition and home to celebrated poet Robert Burns.

Taking place at Cumnock Town Hall on Saturday 14 September in partnership with East Ayrshire Council, the sixth annual awards ceremony will celebrate the importance of the Scots leid – one of the country’s indigenous languages – and the people who champion its use in daily life, education, business, arts and culture.

Voting for this year’s Scots Language Awards opens today until Sunday 8 September. The incredible nominees span special individuals, organisations and initiatives based across the length and breadth of Scotland, from Galashiels to Shetland.

The nominees are:

Scots Writer o the Year, sponsored by National Library of Scotland
• Mae Diansangu
• Jim Mackintosh
• William Hershaw
• Tracy Anne Harvey

Scots Book o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Book Trust
• Poyums by Les Pennie
• Born in Kyle by Billy Kay
• Dwams by Shane Strachan
• Whit If? Scotland's History as it Micht Hiv Been by Hugh McMillan
• Collier Laddie by Rab Wilson

Scots Bairns Book o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Government
• The Hoolet Thit Couldnae Fly by Emma Grae
• Yum by Susi Briggs
• Let’s Explore Oor Richts translated by Laura Green
• Summer e Magic Scurry Riverbank Primary Aberdeen by Jackie Ross

Scots Teacher o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Qualifications Authority
• Danielle McNulty - New Cumnock Primary School, Ayrshire
• Amy Lord - The Liltin Lassies, Dunblane
• Ruth Roberton - Castlepark Primary School, Irvine
• Erin Houston - St. Margaret's High School, North Lanarkshire

Scots Schuil o the Year, sponsored by Itchy Coo/ Black & White Publishing
• New Cumnock Primary School, East Ayrshire
• Burgh Primary School, Galashiels
• Rigside Primary School, South Lanarkshire
• Lanark Primary School, South Lanarkshire
• Kilmarnock Academy, East Ayrshire
• Touch Primary School, Fife
• St Peter and Paul’s Primary School, Angus
• Braeview Academy, Angus
• Shortlees Primary School, East Ayrshire

Scots Cultural Project o the Year
• Doric Film Festival
• Blether Dundee
• Histroic Environment Scotland: Lithgae Palace
• Burns Museum
• Da Nicht Afore Yöl, Shetland
• Yaldi Books

Scots Educational Project o the Year
• Open University: Scots Language Teacher
• Rhymin Rab’s Ramble Education Trail
• Doric Bootcamp
• The Wee Gaitherin Heritage Exhibition 2024

Scots Community Project o the Year
• Sauchie Community Group: Scots Language Night
• Braw Clan
• Cullerlie Traditional Singing Weekend
• Linen Hall Library Ulster Scots Language Competition

Scots Stage Production o the Year
• Dracula
• Sunset Song
• My Doric Diary
• Pushing Thirty

Scots Performer o the Year, sponsored by TRACS
• Sam Allan
• Cheery Odin
• Martin O’Connor
• Chloe Matharu

The esteemed Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award and the Young Scots Writer o the Year award, sponsored by Education Scotland, will be presented by renowned Scots speakers Taylor Dyson and Shane Strachan on the night.

Entertainment during the ceremony comes from a host of local artists including musical performances from talented Coylton singer, flautist and guitarist Seán Gray, accomplished folksinger Claire Hastings with more to be announced. The house band will be the award winning duo Eryn Rae and Sophie Joint.

Attendees will also be treated to a recital from celebrated National Library of Scotland’s Scots Scriever Susi Briggs and a spoken word performance from writer, broadcaster and advocate Billy Kay and tickets for the night are available now.

Scots Leid Awards organiser an Hands Up For Trad Creative Director, Simon Thoumire said: “We are delichtit the day tae annoonce the nominees for this year’s Scots Leid Awards. An whit better place than Ayrshire, birthplace o Robert Burns, tae host the Award ceremony festivities on 14th September. It is sae excitin tae be able tae bring this national event tae the hertlands o Scotland - an we hae tae gie mony thanks tae East Ayrshire Cooncil for thir support in makin this cam tae pass.

“It is wunnerfu tae hae sic a muckle amoont o talent amang oor Scots leid performers, scrievers teachers an mair an we can haurdly wait tae celebrate thir achievemints at the forthcamin Awards ceremony. The leid is sic an importint pairt o oor Scottish cultur an national identity an a crucial creative ootlet for sae mony. It is oor privilege tae gie honour an respec tae that.

“Votin opens the day so noo, its ower tae you! Mak shair ye get yer votes in an we wull see ye at Cumnock Toon Ha’ oan Seturday 14th September.”

Provost Jim Todd said: “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see so many well kent names from East Ayrshire on the shortlist of nominees. There are so many people working exceptionally hard promoting Scots leid across Ayrshire and to see them shortlisted is just fantastic. The Scots Language in all its forms is a very expressive way of communication, we all love our brilliant words that are so descriptive and you know immediately when someone uses these words what they are talking about. I hope that the people of Scotland will show a similar passion and commitment, and get their votes in!

“I am really looking forward to the final at Cumnock Town Hall and to celebrating with these wonderful, talented people.”

As one of Scotland’s three indigenous languages, Scots continues to be a growing tongue. The Scots language has long been used by authors, spoken in our top films, and is experiencing a contemporary renaissance with almost half of Scotland’s population proficient in the language to some capacity. The Scots Language Awards were launched in 2019 to recognise this and the rich culture that is intrinsically linked to the language.

Voting for the Scots Language Awards is open until Sunday 8 September and votes can be cast now at www.scotslanguageawards.com

Tickets to attend the Scots Language Awards are available here: eastayrshireleisure.com

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow family wins trip to fairytale destination thanks to Flamingo Summer Competition at Silverburn

A family's dreams have come true after winning the largest-ever prize win for the Silverburn's Flamingo Summer Competition - a travel voucher worth £2,000 courtesy of Barrhead Travel.

Halloween activities and haunted builds await this October at the LEGO store

This October LEGO Stores across the UK will be transformed into mini haunted playgrounds, offering free family-friendly experiences and exclusive Halloween goodies.

Join Dr Louise Newson for an intimate evening filled with honest conversations

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of learning and laughter as Dr Louise Newson, the leading medical doctor on menopause and hormones, comes to The Pavilion Theatre on October 5th.

Calling all runners... grab a FREE post race drink from Flight Club Glasgow

Flight Club is inviting Glasgow AJ Bell Great Scottish Run participants to celebrate their incredible effort with a complimentary drink on Sunday 5th October!

Flight Club is giving out hundreds of prizes on the streets of Glasgow in October

The team behind the home of Social Darts is embarking on a nationwide charity tour in celebration of its 10th birthday and dishing out treats to its fans along the way!

GlasGLOW adds extra week after 35,000 tickets snapped up in days

City's biggest Halloween show extended as nostalgia-fuelled 'Miles Better' theme takes Glasgow by storm, with new dates on sale on Wednesday 17th September at 7.30am!

Wedding venue Crossbasket Castle unveils exquisite new menu curated by Michelin starred chef Michel Roux

Scotland's premier five-star luxury wedding destination, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled a new decadent wedding menu crafted exclusively by world-renowned Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate joins full cast of Death on the Nile at the Theatre Royal

The full cast has been announced for Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile which comes to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.

Spooky season returns to town with the announcement of Paisley Halloween Festival 2025

Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.

Matilda the Musical comes to Glasgow for the first time

The Royal Shakespeare Company's smash hit production of Matilda The Musical, based on Roald Dahl's beloved book, will come to Glasgow for the very first time in 2026!

Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025

Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!

A jewellery store in Glasgow Fort is doubling in size following investment

Family-owned national diamond, jewellery and watch retailer, Beaverbrooks, is doubling the size of its Glasgow Fort store with a £1.3m investment.

Forget a boring beige Christmas in Glasgow...

This festive season at SWG3, Bongo's Bingo is transporting everyone back to the time where coloured tree lights and flammable tinsel ruled supreme!

Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.

Popular Sunday BBQ returns to Glasgow favourite Sebbs

One of Glasgow's favourites is flipping the idea of a traditional roast on its head with the return of its Sunday BBQ later this month.

Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie

Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.

Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour

Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.

SOAPYFEST raises thousands for Beatson Cancer Charity and Marie Curie

The Barrowland Ballroom was filled with love, laughter, and music as friends, family and supporters came together for SOAPYFEST, raising over £18K in support of Beatson Cancer Charity and Marie Curie

M&Ds teams up with Zombie Infection for a heart pounding, live action horror attraction

M&D's is set to transform into Scotland's Scream Park with the launch of Zombie Checkpoint, a live action immersive horror experience creating a heart racing adventure not for the faint hearted.

Topgolf Glasgow launches new field goal challenge game this autumn

Topgolf Glasgow is bringing a taste of the gridiron to Scotland this autumn with the launch of its brand-new Field Goal Challenge game.

GlasGLOW sells over 20,000 tickets in first hour as fans rush to relive 80s magic

GlasGLOW fever has gripped Glasgow once again, with more than 20,000 tickets for this year's GlasGLOW's Miles Better show snapped up within just 60 minutes of being released.

Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland

Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.

20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.

A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival

Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.

Even more acts added to Tenement Trail 2025, set to take over the East End on Saturday 11th October

Multi-venue music festival taking over Glasgow's East End this October confirms Dead Pony and 14 new acts!

2025 Aye Write programme announced as tickets go on sale for annual book festival

Tickets will go on sale for Aye Write, Glasgow's long-established and much-loved book festival, at 11am today.

Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party

It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!

Birds Fried Chicken launches collaboration series with Corner Shop

Birds Fried Chicken is taking its signature Southern-style fried chicken out of its natural Shawlands habitat and into new, unexpected settings with the launch of Rare Birds!