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.

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

Latest Glasgow News

Scottish groups receive funding from Asda Foundation to transform community spaces

Asda's charity, The Asda Foundation, has awarded £150,000 to eight community groups across Scotland through its Investing in Spaces and Places grants.

The countdown is on... six weeks to go until Rocky Horror takes over The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow

The countdown is officially on! Anticipation is building for the return of the most thrilling, campy, and downright outrageous event of the year; The Rocky Horror Show!

STUDIOCANAL announces Paddington is set to visit Scotland

Statues of everyone's favourite bear will be taking a seat in locations across the UK and Ireland in early October!

Is the IRN BRU Carnival in your future

Tickets for this year's IRN-BRU Carnival launch with the chance to win on Glasgow's streets!

Monster Jam Ramped Up roars into Glasgow for the first time with the all new Monstergon

The most adrenaline-charged and full-throttle family fun experience arrives at OVO Hydro this weekend!

Sole Club Glasgow introduces bold new dining concepts

After a creative and exciting six months since its inception, Sole Club will launch two new culinary experiences from 27th September.

Asda invites customers across Scotland to donate pre loved books for kids

Asda invites customers across Scotland to donate pre-loved children's books for onward gifting to families who have fewer books of their own.

Final Countdown: One month left to enter photography competition

Time is running out to enter Caledonian Sleeper's photography competition aimed at encouraging everyone to capture views of the most scenic locations on route between Scotland and London.

Students can get their hands on gig tickets, meal vouchers and more with the Gumball Gig Machine

King Tut's and Gigs in Scotland, are teaming up to inspire a new generation of music fans in the city, offering students gig tickets and free entry to some of Glasgow's coolest experiences!

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.

Over 900 supporters and their teddy bears took part in a charity walk at the weekend

On Saturday, more than 900 supporters and their teddy bears took to the streets of Glasgow for Kami Bear's Teddy Trail, raising vital funds for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to host London Philharmonic Orchestra

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is set to welcome back one of the world's best and most famous orchestras.

Autumnal styling, sandwiches and scones with Dobbies

For October, Dobbies Garden Centres has launched a brand new autumn edition of its hands-on planting experience, combined with a tasty Afternoon Tea.

Brand new live psychological skill game show with cash prize will storm the nation this Christmas!

A game of lies, skill, deceit and manipulation. The ultimate psychological gameshow experience is coming to Glasgow, how far will you go for a £1000 cash prize?

Big Scottish Breakfast Ambassador, Anton Danyluk serves breakfast at Skypark

Skypark hosted the Big Scottish Breakfast on 11th September, to raise funds for the campaign while STV Big Scottish Breakfast Ambassador Anton Danyluk helped to serve breakfast.

SAY Award unveils Longlist

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024's Longlist.

Celentanos teams up with The Gate for a culinary takeover to celebrate Negroni Week next week

Modern Scottish pub, The Gate is teaming up with foodie favourite, Celentano's and Campari to host a culinary takeover to celebrate Negroni Week next weekend.

Unsigned band wrest sell out 2,000 capacity Barrowland Ballroom

Unsigned Edinburgh indie rock band wrest have sold out the legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow - without industry support, a manager or label backing.

New drinks delivery service launches in Glasgow

Glasgow's newest drinks delivery service is the first in the UK to offer TikTok's hottest trending drinks – and some households might get a surprise visit from a leading mixologist

Fat Hippo Glasgow launch brand new breakfast menu

Is BURG-fast the most important meal of the day? Burger giants Fat Hippo would agree as they throw their buns into the breakfast menu ring this month.

BBC Debate Night returns for 2024

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns later this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

New Scottish music awards receives over 3000 nominations in first 48 hours

The recently launched Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA), in association with GO Radio, has seen an overwhelming response, receiving over 3000 nominations in just the first 2 days.

Courtney Bowman to star as Lauren in Kinky Boots

Courtney Bowman will join Strictly's Johannes Radebe in Kinky Boots at the King's Theatre Glasgow in February!

First look at new production of War Horse, the award winning National Theatre production coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Brand new production images have been released for the National Theatre's acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel.

Govan walking group hailed as a highlight of the week by Care Home Residents

A Govan social enterprise has partnered with a local care home to provide much-needed exercise, stimulation and entertainment for residents.

Festive Fever: Best Christmas Party Nights in Glasgow for 2024

'Tis the season to eat, drink, and be very merry, so make sure you do it in style this year at one of Glasgow’s top shared party nights!

Gravity Active launches incredible new deals, just in time for Autumn

Gravity Active is excited to introduce two brand new offers, set to provide families with unforgettable experiences this Autumn.

Platform brews up new craft beer experiences including Oktoberfest & Hands On Brew School at microbrewery

Multi-faceted venue, Platform is gearing up for a season of craft beer with two brand-new experiences launching this autumn.

Sports clubs across Glasgow and the west awarded funding from Aldi Scotland Awards

Aldi Scotland has invested £7,500 in nine local sports clubs across Glasgow and the West, as part of its annual Scottish Sport Fund initiative.

Sunny Govan lives up to its name as it puts best foot forward for Footbridge Festival

Govan put its best foot forward as it staged a free one-off festival on Saturday to mark the opening of the new Govan-Partick Bridge.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings