Scots celebrities, artists and speakers gathered in Dundee at Broughty Ferry’s Gardyne Theatre to celebrate culture and language for the Scots Language Awards 2021 this Saturday, September 25th.
The audience, many of whom were gathering from across the Scots community for the first time since before lockdown, were treated to interviews with the Winners of 13 Awards, and Writer & Broadcaster Alistair Heather hosted the inspiring evening with poet and social media star Len Pennie, introducing live performances from Victoria McNulty, Anna Stewart, Cameron Nixon, Alison Miller, and Ellie Beaton. Public voting on the nominees was open Monday 6th to Sunday 19th September at www.scotslanguageawards.com, with a record number of votes.
The Awards recognise the heroic efforts and work of the people and organisations who all champion Scots’ unique culture, music and words. Scots Language has long been used by authors, spoken in our top films, and is experiencing a contemporary year on year resurgence via social media as communities connect led by the public, influencers, and media alike.
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, detailed in full below, included The Scots Champion Award presented to John Hodgart, and the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award sponsored by Creative Scotland, which this year went to Derrick McClure.
Karen Dick, Head of Place, Partnerships & Communities at Creative Scotland said: “Scots Language is an important part of our 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:
1. Scots Project o the Year sponsored by Scots Hoose
Scots Dictionary for Schools app
2. Scots Bairns Book o the Year sponsored by Scottish Government
The Glasgow Gruffalo’s Wean, by Elaine C. Smith
3. Scots Speaker o the Year sponsored by Scots Language Centre
Iona Fyfe
4. Scots Performer o’ the Year sponsored by Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland (TRACS)
Len Pennie
5. Scots Teacher o the Year sponsored by Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
Kerry Fraser, Perth High School
6. Scots Book o the Year sponsored by Scottish Book Trust
The Young Team by Graeme Armstrong (Picador)
7. Scots Champion Award
John Hodgart
8. Scots Business o the Year sponsored by Scots Language Society
Lidl
9. Scots Schuil o the Year sponsored by Itchy Coo/Black & White Publishing
Troqueer Primary School, Dumfries
10. Janet Paisley Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Creative Scotland
Derrick McClure
11. Young Scots Writer o’ the Year sponsored by Education Scotland
Hope and Lucy Freeman
12. Scots Media Person o the Year sponsored by Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Littlest Chicken
13. Scots Writer o the Year sponsored by National Library of Scotland
Victoria McNulty
-ENDS-
Press: For further press information please contact Chris Hunt at Genuine via chris@genuine.scot
Tel: 07975999173
Notes to Editors:
Organising body, Hands Up for Trad funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, was formed in 2002 and exists to increase the profile and visibility of traditional Scottish music and culture through information, advocacy and education to artists, participants and audiences.
In 2019, The United Nations Year of Indigenous Language, Hands Up for Trad launched this new annual award ceremony for Scotland’s vibrant cultural calendar, celebrating the best in the Scots Language, in association with Creative Scotland. In a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow’s Mitchell Library Theatre, the Award’s many other sponsors including Education Scotland, SQA, Scottish Government and Itchy Coo / Black & White Publishing gathered together for an evening of music and entertainment in the country’s national language spoken by over 30% of the population, particularly in the central and borders regions, rewarding excellence in schools, communities and arts, before regrouping on YouTube in October 2020 during lockdown.
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. They distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery.
Further information at www.creativescotland.com. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.