Kenspeckle Scots, airtists an spaikers gaithert thegither in Dundee at Broughty Ferry’s Gardyne Theatre tae celebrate thir ain guid cultur an leid at the Scots Language Awards 2021 on Seturday 25th September.
The Awards give richfu recognition tae the mony dedicatit fowk wha, in giein great service, hae makit shair the Scots Leid steys in guid heart keeping it tae the fore in cultur music an words.
The Scots Leid has lang bin yaised bi scrievers an spaiken in oor weel kent films. But noo ilka year, acause o the widespreid yis o Social Media, it is undergaein a contemporary resurgence as communities connect wi ilkither allooin the leid tae be cairried forrit bi the public, the media an fowk o influence.
The audience, mony gaithert fae ower the Scots community an camin thegither for the first time sin the lockdoon, heerd Dundee’s verra ain Social Media star Len Pennie an scriever an broadcaster Alistair Heather hostin a gledsome nicht divotit tae music poetry an wirds in the Scots leid wi live performances fae Victoria McNulty, Anna Stewart, Cameron Nixon, Alison Miller, Ellie Beaton as weel as interviews wi the 13 Award winners.
Cabinet Secretary for Scotland’s Languages Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “These awards demonstrate that Scots is a vital part of this country’s cultural identity, and it is crucial we encourage and nurture the creativity of those who speak the language.
“The Scottish Government is proud to sponsor these awards and my warmest congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”
Winners, set oot in fu ablaw, includit The Scots Champion Award presentit tae John Hodgart, an the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award sponsored bi Creative Scotland which this year went tae Derrick McClure.
Karen Dick, Head of Place, Partnerships & Communities at Creative Scotland said: “Scots Language is an important part ofour history and culture with rich oral traditions still very much alive in song, drama and storytelling. It’s terrific to see these awards celebrating and showcasing the creativity and excellence of those championing the Scots Language today. Huge congratulations Derrick McClure, the winner of the Janet Paisley Lifetime Achievement Award which we are pleased to support in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the language.”
Building on the success since launching in 2019 of the high-profile Awards, social media campaigns, regular Blether wi’ Heather podcasts, and the annual Wee Gaitherin’ which takes place around the Ceremony Event founder Simon Thoumire of organisers Hands Up For Trad said: “I’m thrilled by the growth of our ongoing campaign for Scots Language, to be holding our first live event in Dundee with everybody, and at the calibre of this year’s brilliant winners for the 2021’s Scots Language Awards.”
Bruce Eunson of Education Scotland added: “Anither year o brilliant projects, organisations, individuals an mair! Lovely ta hae the chance ta git aabody an aa the important wark thegither in wan room fir a right good fun! Wi sae mony interestin pieces o wark happenin it maks wis at Education Scotland aafil blyde ta be involved an ta sponsor the Young Scriever o the Year agayn.”
Keep up to date on Twitter @handsupfortrad where the action is, and Instagram @handsupfortrad, and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/handsupfortrad
Hashtags #ScotsLeid2021 #HUFTOnline #ScotsLanguageAwards
The 13 Award Categories, Sponsors & Winners are:
The Award Categories are:
- Scots Project o the Year sponsored by Scots Hoose
Scots Dictionary for Schools app
- Scots Bairns Book o the Year sponsored by Scottish Government
The Glasgow Gruffalo’s Wean, by Elaine C. Smith
- Scots Speaker o the Year sponsored by Scots Language Centre
- Scots Performer o’ the Year sponsored by Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland (TRACS)
- Scots Teacher o the Year sponsored by Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
Kerry Fraser, Perth High School
- Scots Book o the Year sponsored by Scottish Book Trust
The Young Team by Graeme Armstrong (Picador)
- Scots Champion Award
John Hodgart
- Scots Business o the Year sponsored by Scots Language Society
Lidl
- Scots Schuil o the Year sponsored by Itchy Coo/Black & White Publishing
Troqueer Primary School, Dumfries
- Janet Paisley Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Creative Scotland
Derrick McClure
- Young Scots Writer o’ the Year sponsored by Education Scotland
Hope and Lucy Freeman
- Scots Media Person o the Year sponsored by Dictionaries of the Scots Language
- Scots Writer o the Year sponsored by National Library of Scotland
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