Scots Language Awards 2024: Yum by Susi Briggs

Weel duin tae Yum by Susi Briggs wha hae bin nominatit in Scots Bairns Book o the Year sponsored by Scottish Government in the Scots Language Awards. Vote now!

The Scots Language Awards are in the Cumnock Toon Ha, Cumnock in pairtnership wi East Ayrshire Cooncil on 14th September at 7pm. Tickets fir the ceremony are available tae buy here: https://eastayrshireleisure.com/events/scots-language-awards/.

We askit Susi Briggs o Yum by Susi Briggs thae speirins.

Tell us aboot yersel or yer ootfit.
Jenny wis just aboot tae drink her juice when up popped a hungry moose! Moose says "Whit's in yer piece? Is that cheese? If it is can ah hae some please?"
Jenny tore a bit aff and gied her some, Moose nibbled and nibbled. YUM. YUM. YUM.

This is a gentle story aboot sharing. A wee lassie is suddenly jyned fer lunch by a moose, a craw and a hairy oobit wha hae spied her yummy cheese and lettuce piece!
Yum is illustrated by Charlotte Brayley and published by Foggie Toddle Books. It is an exciting introduction tae Scots Language fer wee yins.

Susi Briggs is a listed author, poet and storyteller wi the Scottish Book Trust and the Scottish Storytelling Centre. She co-hosts the original story and sang show Oor Wee Podcast wi Alan McClure. Susi wis appointed the Scots Scriever of Galloway by the National Library of Scotland in 2024. Susi is the author of shortlisted Bairns’ Books o the Year – Nip Nebs, Nip Nebs and the Last Berry and Wheesht.

Whit wis it got ye involvit wi the Scots leid?
I could see the need fer Scots speaking weans tae see thier ain voice written doon in a fun and contemporary wey through picture book stories.
I decided tae embrace the leid efter a snooty rejection letter fae a publisher years ago. They telt me tae “omit the Scottish flavour” because I had included the word “wee” in an otherwise English manuscript fer a wean’s story.
I had tae teach masel my ain literacy in Scots jist like awbdy else wha scrieves in Scots language. I did this wi the hope tae inspire future generations and empower their ain vyces..

Aw o my original stories and poems are in Scots. I want the next generation tae see that Scots language is as beautiful and valid as ony other on this bonny birlin planet.

Why dae ye feel it is important tae use Scots in everyday life?
Scots is pairt o oor identity as individuals and as a nation. It's pairt o oor culture and heritage.
Visibility is important tae rid oorsels o prejudice and stigma attached tae oor vyces.
I'm passionate aboot Scots literacy and tae create new stories in Scots fer weans is an absolute honour.

Dae ye hae a favourite Scots phrase or saying?
Whit's fer ye will no gan by ye

An appropriate saying fer me as this is my sixth shortlisted Scots Language Award nomination and I've no won yet! Haha! I am honoured tae be shortlisted again though.

Is there a Scots speaker who inspires you?
I ken a wheen o braw Scots speakers that inspire me. I want tae gie a special nod tae Dr Michael Dempster and Laura Green at the Scots Language Centre wha hae ey been supportive o my creative endevours.
I also want tae mention Bobby Gillies wha I discovered via the Scots Language Forum on facebook. I am awfy fond o his Scots language poems and prose.

Do you hear Scots spoken regularly in your local area? Have you noticed any changes over time?
I hear Scots spoken aroon me aw the time. On the buses, in the cafés, pubs and waiting rooms. Weans and teachers are embracing it mair in the schuil which maks me feel hopefu fer the future o the leid. There are a lot o fowk wha dinna speak Scots aroon whaur I bide and I hae positive blethers wi them aboot the leid and there is an interest in learning mair aboot it than there wis even a fae a few years ago.

Ony particlar career heighlichts
I became the Scots Scriever for the National Library of Scotland this year. This has been a huge validation fer me personally fer aw the darg I hae din ower the years. It has opened doors fer me that I widna normally see open. I launched Yum at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this year and that is a muckle step forward for me as a wean's author but also for a writer in Scots language.

Wha’s yer plans fir the days aheid?
Tae continue the wirk I've been daen fer years fer Scots literacy and visibility. I hope tae complete a collection o Scots poetry ready fer publication next year. I also hope tae see my books animated in the future for weans tae enjoy. I'm looking forrit tae working wi Braw Clan Theatre next year on an exciting new project and collaborating wi Alan McClure. I'm also looking forrit tae launching new educational resources inspired by Oor Wee Podcast content wi Alan McClure as weel. Loads tae look forrit tae! I nivver get bored!

The Scots Language Awards are in the Cumnock Toon Ha, Cumnock on 14th September at 7pm. Tickets are available to buy here: https://eastayrshireleisure.com/events/scots-language-awards/ There wull be some grand entertainmint oan the nicht tae, includin a recital fae Billy Kay, Susie Briggs, alang wi musical performances fae Claire Hastings an Sèan Gray.

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