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
Kibble Adoption, the newly launched service from the children's care charity, is inviting people to join them for an event that highlights the benefits of adoption for both parents and children.
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Council's employability service, Work EastRen, is ready to help local residents find work this New Year.
READ MOREDon’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MOREScotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MOREToday, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!
READ MOREAfter becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MOREA generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORECaledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure invited veterans to a Health for Heroes festive breakfast at Barrhead Foundry to celebrate the success of the scheme in 2024.
READ MORETicketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MOREThis family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MOREThe Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MOREAn innovative programme which aims to harness the magic of horses to engage young people back into education is being offered to East Renfrewshire young people for the first time.
READ MOREJames Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MOREA volunteer with unwavering dedication to the wellbeing, health and safety of residents across East Renfrewshire has been awarded the Provost Award for his exceptional contributions.
READ MOREThe battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MOREFounder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MOREA bold new vision has been launched which sets out the shared hopes and aspirations for East Renfrewshire between now and 2040.
READ MOREA unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MOREMarine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Council hosted its annual employee celebration event – the We Are East Ren Awards – to recognise hard-working employees going above and beyond for residents.
READ MOREA beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MOREJasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MOREA family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MOREScottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire libraries celebrated Book Week Scotland in style, welcoming children and adult writers along for a series of fun, interactive events.
READ MORE