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 Glasgow News
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
Glasgow Life confirms the return of Aye Write Book Festival in November 2025
Aye Write, Glasgow's long-established and much-loved book festival, will return in November 2025, Glasgow Life has confirmed.
READ MORE
Extra date added for Paw Patrol Live!
Due to high demand, PAW Patrol Live! has added an extra performance at Glasgow's SEC Armadillo at 10.45am on Saturday 2nd August!
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
TRNSMT reveals return of The Hangout... home of secret sets
The countdown to Scotland's biggest live music event is on as this week marks 50 days to go until Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT returns to Glasgow Green from 11th to 13th July!
READ MORE
First Bus celebrates Glasgow 850 with over 7,500 free bus journeys
Everyone attending next weekend's Clyde Chorus live music event will get a free First Bus two-trip ticket to travel sustainably to and from the festivities.
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
Glasgow 850 Festival Fund sees a further five city festivals receive funding and 44 community projects awarded small grants
More than £60,000 awarded to established and local groups to support a varied programme of events and activities across the city.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort appoints nine year old as Chief Fun Officer
Glasgow Fort has officially hired its most important new team member yet - a Chief Fun Officer (CFO)!
READ MORE
Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet
Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!
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
Casting announced for Here & Now
The producers of the brand new musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation, Steps, are delighted to announce the principal cast for the UK & Ireland tour!
READ MORE
Gorbals school children amongst first to benefit as Citizens Theatre marks new era of community engagement
Theatre's landmark new Participate programme offers Glasgow communities creative opportunities to grow, inspire and connect.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850: Fringe events announced
Fringe events announced for Clyde Chorus as Glasgow marks 850th Anniversary.
READ MORE
Free Pret Sandwiches For PicNICs This Bank Holiday
This May Bank Holiday Pret Edinburgh and Glasgow will be giving away free sandwiches to the first 50 customers called Nick, Nicole, or anyone whose name starts with ‘Nic’.
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 MORE
Smash hit production of The Red Shoes returns to Glasgow
New Adventures is delighted to bring Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of THE RED SHOES to the King's Theatre, Glasgow in January!
READ MORE
Bruadar toasts World Bee Day with honey infused cocktails in bars across Scotland
Limited-edition serves launched across top Scottish bars using honey from Aberargie Distillery's resident bees.
READ MORE
Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding
Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.
READ MORE
Gael & Grain opens in the West End: A Fresh Celebration of Scottish Hospitality
The much-anticipated Gael & Grain is now officially open, bringing a bold new vision to the city's West End.
READ MORE
King Pins offers free bowling to anyone called Colin
Ahead of opening on 26th June in Silverburn Shopping Centre, King Pins is offering a free round of bowling to anyone named Colin, with bookings now live!
READ MORE
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary
Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow unveils glorious summer cocktails
With the weather heating up, cocktail drinking season is upon us, and Flight Club Glasgow has just dropped a banger of a drinks list to crack through this summer!
READ MORE
Piping Live! festival and World Pipe Band Championships have officially launched for 2025!
Glasgow will hit the high notes this August as Scotland, the global home of piping, looks forward to the world's biggest week of bagpipes with the return of two iconic events!
READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes
Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MORE
ICW Says Goodbye to the Home of Scottish Wrestling
ICW will bid farewell to the Asylum with emotional weekend of events next month.
READ MORE
One man show brings all the emotions to the Tron Theatre... as well as dogs!
Man's Best Friend brings Douglas Maxwell's award-winning combination of humour, emotion – and for the first time, dogs to the Tron Theatre!
READ MORE
Meatopia gives Glasgow a taste of what is to come and reveals full chef, and music, line up
Legendary fire-cooking festival Meatopia is coming to Scotland for the first time, taking over SWG3 Glasgow from 6th – 8th June.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links