Published: 29 Jul 2019
Nine new titles in Scots have been awarded funding by the Scots Language Publication Grant. Funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Scottish Book Trust, the Scots Language Publication Grant was created by the Scots Language Resource Network to support Scots publishers and to encourage Scots writers.
Applications were assessed by a panel with expertise in Scots and publishing, including a writer and representatives from Creative Scotland, Education Scotland and Publishing Scotland.
I am pleased that the first year of the Scots Publication Grant has been such a success, with overwhelming interest from publishers and an extremely high standard across all the books that were submitted. It shows the wealth of talent and interest we have in the language, and strengthens the case for the Scottish Government’s support of Scots and those who wish to use it.- John Swinney
The successful titles are: *Burds in Scots by Hamish MacDonald (Scotland Street Press); *The Complete Works of William Soutar by William Soutar (Tippermuir Books); *Daisy On the Outer Line by Ross Sayers (Cranachan); * Deep Wheel Orcadia by Harry Josephine Giles (Stewed Rhubarb); *The Itchy Coo Book of Hans Christian Anderson by Itchy Coo (Black and White Publishing); *The Last Berry by Susi Briggs (Curly Tale); *Modern Makars by Irene Howatt, Ann Macinnon and Finola Scott (Tapsalteerie); *Roads to Nae Wye by Christie Williamson (Luath); *Wheen by Stuart Paterson (Chapman).
The Scots Language Publication Grant provides assistance for publishing new work (including translated texts), reprinting existing historical or culturally significant work, and also effective marketing and promotion of existing and new work.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:“I am pleased that the first year of the Scots Publication Grant has been such a success, with overwhelming interest from publishers and an extremely high standard across all the books that were submitted. It shows the wealth of talent and interest we have in the language, and strengthens the case for the Scottish Government’s support of Scots and those who wish to use it.”
Rhona Alcorn, CEO of Scottish Language Dictionaries and Chair of The Scots Language Resource Network, said: “We are immensely grateful to the Scottish Government for supporting this important initiative. There is a huge appetite for books in Scots and the successful titles clearly demonstrate that the language is thriving in multiple genres. I can’t wait to read them!”
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Congratulations to those who have been successful in securing a Scots Language Publication Grant. The first year of funding will support a diverse range of titles, from children’s books to poetry and non-fiction. It’s great to see so many fantastic Scottish publishers supporting Scots language titles.”
Scots Language Resource Network: The Scots Language Publication Grant is administrated by The Scots Language Resource Network, which meets twice a year to discuss the coordination and publication of new and existing resources (online and in print) that support speakers, readers, writers, teachers, learners and students of Scots. It currently includes representatives from the following organisations: ASLS; Creative Scotland; Education Scotland; Glasgow Women's Library; Historic Environment Scotland; Literature Alliance ScotlandNational Library of Scotland; Publishing ScotlandScots Language Centre; Scottish Poetry Library; SQA; Ulster Scots Agency; Wigtown Book Festival.
Scottish Book Trust: Scottish Book Trust is a national charity changing lives through reading and writing. We inspire and support the people of Scotland to read and write for pleasure through programmes and outreach work that include:
*Gifting books to every child in Scotland to ensure families of all backgrounds can share the joy of books at home.
*Working with teachers to inspire children to develop a love of reading, creating innovative classroom activities, book awards and author events.*Supporting Scotland’s diverse writing community with our training, awards and writing opportunities.
*Funding a range of author events for the public to enjoy and promoting Scottish writing to people worldwide.
In addition to the funding we receive from the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland, we need the constant support of trusts and foundations, corporate sponsors and individual donors.
www.scottishbooktrust.com @scottishbktrust www.facebook.com/scottishbktrust
Creative Scotland: Scottish Book Trust is supported by Creative Scotland through Regular Funding. Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com.
Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotlandI
