Weel duin tae Craig Aitchison wha hae bin nominatit in Scots Book o the Year (sponsored by Scottish Book Trust), Scots Writer o the Year (sponsored by the National Library of Scotland) in the Scots Language Awards. Vote now!
The 2026 Scots Language Awards tak place on Saturday 19th September at the iconic Discovery Centre, home of the RRS Discovery Ship (1pm). Reserve yer ticket here.
The awards will be a daytime event this year, making them as inclusive and accessible to as many award nominees from across Scotland as possible.
We askit Craig Aitchison o Craig Aitchison thae speirins.
Tell us aboot yersel or yer ootfit.
A’m a secondary schuil teacher whae bides in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders. A’m also a scriever wahe has won prizes for poetry including the McLellan Prize and the Wigtown Prize. In 2025 A publish a pamphlet-length poem aboot the River Tweed. This year A had a poetry collection ‘Flichter’ published by Stewed Rhubarb Press.
Whit wis it got ye involvit wi the Scots leid?
Growin up in Stow in the Scottish Borders A wis surroundit bi folk speakin Scots. When A studied at Glasgow University A learnt mair aboot Scots, gainin a better unnerstaundin o the rich history o Scots Language and Literature. A hae yaised Scots in ma teachin as A think it’s important tae introduce young folk tae it. A wis chuffed when the Scottish Book Trust supportit me wi a New Writers Award in 2023 an this has helped me develop ma writin in Scots.
Why dae ye feel it is important tae use Scots in everyday life?
A think it’s vital that Scots is yaised regularly an in varied contexts. Folk need tae get ower the cringe that sometimes hauds it back an realise it can be a leid that expresses important ideas an depth o emotion. It’s capable o beauty, subtlety an complexity.
Dae ye hae a favourite Scots phrase or saying?
A like the sayin “Did ye, aye?” Scots is a leid o rich vocabulary but whiles simple, wee words can be instillt great pooer or humour. This short phrase is fu o scepticism an minds folk tae keep their feet on the grund.
Is there a Scots speaker who inspires you?
A’m surroundit by folk whae speak in Scots; freends like Des an Alison, folk at Hawick High Schuil or Gala Fairydean. Its thae speakers whae yaise it in a natural wey, withoot ony affectation or cringe that A find maist inspirin.
Do you hear Scots spoken regularly in your local area? Have you noticed any changes over time?
Folk yaise a less varied Scots vocabulary noo but Scots is still spoken aw the time. A live in Galae an work in Hawick in the Borders. There is a rich vocabulary in the region. An its great tae hear the differences in Scots juist sixteen mile doon the road that shows the variety o the leid.
Ony particlar career heighlichts
There’s been a lot. Winnin the Wigtoon Prize, an the McLellan Poetry Prize were fantastic. Readin tae a fu tent at the Borders Book Festival last year wis great tae.
Wha’s yer plans fir the days aheid?
A’m currently editin a novella which is in Scots an English. An there’s aye plenty o ither projects A’m workin awa on
Read more about Craig Aitchison
https://www.craigaitchison-writer.co.uk/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/craigaitch
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Instagram: @craig.aitchison
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The Scots Language Awards are in Dundee on the 19th September at 1pm. There wull be some grand entertainmint includin a recitals fae Yvonne Tait an Hugh Macmillan alang wi musical performances fae Iona Fyfe and Scott Gardiner.
To attend the Scots Language Awards there are a few tickets remaining. Click here to reserve your tickets.
Join Elfie Picket Theatre for the Scots language nicht BLETHER, fur a nicht o music, poetry and stories aa celebratin Scots Leid & culture. We hae twa special guests jynin us and a wee open mic. Leadin us intae a big Dundee Fringe Ceilidh! Startin at 6pm, tickets £10.
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish language please consider donating here.