THE winners of the annual Scots Language Awards have been revealed.
The ceremony took place in Ayrshire for the first time in its history, with Scots Scriever Susi Briggs in attendance to give the audience a flavour of the local dialect: Galloway Scots.
Jim Mackintosh from Perth took home the Scots Writer o the Year award, sponsored by National Library of Scotland.
A celebrated poet, Mackintosh regularly features on stage at literary festivals and has published six collections, edited four anthologies and translated a collection from Italian into Scots.
Meanwhile, Scots poet Len Pennie picked up Scots Book o the Year for her debut collection entitled Poyums.
The long-awaited book quickly became a bestseller when it was released earlier this year
The award for Scots Bairns Book of the Year went to the P5F pupils of Riverbank Primary School in Aberdeen.
Their book entitled 'Summer, e Magic Scurry' was written entirely by pupils and features the story of a naughty herring gull who takes pupils on an adventure.
While Scots Schuil l o the Year was awarded to New Cumnock Primary School in East Ayrshire for their efforts to showcase Scots within their curriculum.
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.
“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," said East Ayrshire Provost Jim Todd.
"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.”
As well as the award presentations, there was also a variety of performances throughout the evening.
They included performances from 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 Scots Scriever Susi Briggs and a joint performance by accomplished folk singer Claire Hastings and writer, broadcaster and advocate Billy Kay.
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.”
