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Gies a Scots Poem Day saw the launch of this year’s Scots Language Awards, which will return to Ayrshire in 2025 after a successful first visit to the area last year.
Taking place at Cumnock Town Hall on Saturday 13th September, the Scots Language Awards are Scotland’s annual celebration and night of recognition for all those involved in the promotion of the Scots leid – one of Scotland’s designated indigenous languages.
For the first time, to coincide with the staging of the event, award organisers Hands Up For Trad, will work with learning resource Scots Hoose to deliver Scots language sessions to schools across Scotland.
Ahead of the event’s return, Scots speakers across Scotland are today demonstrating their love for the language by sharing their favourite Scots poems for Gies a Scots Poem Day – a Scottish Poetry Library initiative aimed to get people sharing the language at home and online.
Now in its third year, Gies a Scots Poem Day aims to promote Scots language poetry in all Its forms, with poems representing the breadth of Scots spoken across the country, such as Doric, Shetlandic and Dundonian.
This year’s content from the Scottish Poetry Library includes works by Taylor Dyson, the new Scots Scriever based at the National Library of Scotland, as well as commissions from around a dozen poets. Members of the public are encouraged to post their own favourite Scot’s poems and recordings on social media across the day.
2025 will be the seventh edition of the Scots Language Awards, delivered by Scottish cultural organisation Hands Up For Trad who work to highlight the importance of Scotland’s traditional arts and languages.
Award categories will span business, literature, work in the community, and more, recognising figures and organisations working across society in the Scots tongue.
The night will be hosted by Taylor Dyson and Scots creative Lynne Campbell, with performances from some of the brightest lights in Scots music and poetry, including Aberdeenshire folk singer Ellie Beaton, Edinburgh Scots singer Amy Leach, musician Catriona Hawksworth, local Burns purveyor Wullie Dick and Scots slam poet Hamish MacDonald.
Scots Leid Award organiser an Hands Up For Trad Creative Director, Simon Thoumire haed thae wirds: “The Scots leid is gaun fae strength tae strength, and we’re thrilled tae see the Scots Language Awards return tae Ayrshire, hame tae sic a rich cultural heritage. This event isn’t jist a celebration o the wunnerfu talents in Scots music, literature, an community endeavors, but a recognition o the leid’s vital role in oor Scottish identity. We can’t wait tae bring the Scots language community thegither again, and wi’ new initiatives lik the Scots Hoose school sessions, we’re ensuring the next generation can share in the pride an passion for oor mither tongue. It’s set tae be a nicht tae remember, an we cannae wait!”
East Ayrshire Provost Claire Leitch said: “I’m awfa chuffed that the Scots Language Award will return tae East Ayrshire this year. I’m looking forward to gaun along, celebrating the talented performers and aw the folk fae across Scotland who are dedicated who are encouraging us to use oor ‘mither tongue’! It’s gonnae be another stoater o a nicht!
“For me, there’s nuhun more important than staying true to who we aw ur, and encouraging oor communities and weans to use and celebrate the Scots language.
“Definitely get yersel a ticket quick. As Jack fae Still Game says – “He who hingeth aboot getteth heehaw!
“As this announcement is launching on ‘Gies a Scots Poem Day’ – I’d like tae share part o a poem by Robert Burns that offers hope and change for unity across the world – “For a’ that, an’ a’ that, It’s comin yet for a’ that, That Man to Man the warld o’er, Shall brithers be for a’ that.” To me, means doesn’t matter who ye ur, yer worth isn’t defined by wealth, status or oacht other than just being a decent human being.
“Hope tae see you all on the night!”
The event’s partners and supporters include East Ayrshire Council, Creative Scotland, Scottish Government, National Library of Scotland, Education Scotland, SQA, Scottish Book Trust, Itchy Coo and B&W Publishing.
Scots Language Awards nominations will be open from 28th July – 10th August, before voting for shortlisted nominees takes place between 25th August – 7th September.
The 2025 awards will take place at Cumnock Town Hall on 13th September. Visit www.scotslanguageawards.com.
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