Scottish Writing

Have you a story with a Scottish slant or setting? Do you write in Scots or Doric?

John Reid (1913-1998) was an Aberdeenshire farm labourer, who spent most of his life working long hours for very small rewards. In odd moments he jotted down short stories, character studies, and bothy tales.

Eventually, as David Toulmin, he had a few articles printed in local newspapers. The first of his ten books was published when he was 59-years-old. They consist mostly of short stories and reminiscences, with his one novel, Blown Seed, painting a harsh picture of farm life.

Now a short story competition, with a prize of £500 to the winner, will be launched for the second time to recognise Reid's contribution to written Doric.

The competition is open to all amateur writers* over the age of 16. The story should be concerned with some aspect of life in North-east Scotland and may be written in Scots, including Doric, or English or a mixture of the two.

The award for the best entry will be made at the 2009 WORD Festival weekend (May 13-17) at the University of Aberdeen, when the winning story will be read out by a well-known writer. The story will also be published in Leopard Magazine.

Deadline: 31 March 2009
Length: up to 4,000 words
Send to: Dr Ian Russell, Director, The Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, MacRobert Building, King's College, Aberdeen AB24 5UA.
Fee: Free

Hard copy, size A4, should be sent in addition to an electronic submission in MS Word. For more information contact the Elphinstone Institute 01224-272996 or at elphinstone@abdn.ac.uk