Weel duin tae Jane Veitch wha hae bin nominatit in Scots Teacher o the Year (sponsored by Qualifications 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 Jane Veitch o Jane Veitch thae speirins.
Tell us aboot yersel or yer ootfit.
My name is Jane Veitch and I am a teacher at Monymusk Primary, Aberdeenshire. I have now been teaching for 30 years and still look forward to going into my work everyday. It is such a privilege to play an important part in helping to shape the lives of the children that I teach. Their smiles and giggles make even the tough days great fun! It really is the best job in the world!
Whit wis it got ye involvit wi the Scots leid?
Having grown up in the village of Alford, Aberdeenshire, the Scots language and heritage was always a big part of my life. When I started teaching it seemed natural to ensure that the rich culture and heritage of the North East of Scotland was embedded into the lives of the children that I taught. I loved exploring the countryside with them and recording their findings in their 'mither tongue'. Together we embraced and celebrated their local hobbies and talents, from Highland Dancing, playing bagpipes, singing local songs and reciting Doric poems.
When our own 3 children came along, my husband and I felt it was important that they grew up with an understanding for their local language and heritage. From a young age, all three of them showed a natural curiosity and passion for the culture of the North East. Emily recited Doric poems, Lucy took up Highland Dancing and Stuart sang Bothy Ballads and played the fiddle. They are all grown up now and still proud and passionate about their local heritage.
Teaching now at Monymusk, I am very lucky to have been able to take the lead on an area of the curriculum that I love. Monymusk School has a long history of promoting Doric and the Scots language, however our current Head Teacher, Mrs Jill Moir is particularly passionate and supportive about embracing our local culture and heritage. Together, with a very enthusiastic staff team and fantastic pupils, we at Monymusk have achieved so many great things, examples of this include making films for the annual Doric Film Festival and winning 'Scots School O' the Year Award 2023'. I truly feel this nomination is a team effort and one which I could definitely not have achieved without the support and dedication of everyone in Monymusk School and Community.
Why dae ye feel it is important tae use Scots in everyday life?
If we don't use it – we lose it!
Dae ye hae a favourite Scots phrase or saying?
Haud it Chappin ! I think this wee saying gives us all a clear message of what we have to do to keep the Doric language and culture alive and kicking!!
Is there a Scots speaker who inspires you?
The people who truly inspire me are the children at Monymusk! They are all wee stars, who work so hard to keep the Doric language, culture and heritage alive. From learning and performing Doric poems, to hosting Hungry Haggis Community Cafes, to working on projects with local businesses, to writing Doric books, to taking part in the Doric Film Festival, the children of Monymusk show pride in their local heritage and can be relied upon to ensure it lives on in the next generation.
Do you hear Scots spoken regularly in your local area? Have you noticed any changes over time?
Yes, however I do feel there is a definite decline. As more people move to the area from different parts of the world, our local language and the culture that it brings has been diluted. While it is good to see and share a wide range of cultures, it is important to celebrate our own and keep it at the heart of our local communities in the North East.
Ony particlar career heighlichts
I have many, many highlights however one of them has to be when my class wrote and published their own Doric book called 'Jock's Daunder Roon Monymusk'. It is a story written in Doric about the day Jock the Giant – a local legend, comes down from Bennachie to visit the village. The book, which was planned, written and illustrated by children in P1,2,3, allows readers to join Jock the Giant as he goes around Monymusk on an adventure through the letters of the alphabet. Our book was such a success, that we were then invited to go down to London to 'The Houses of Parliament' and read our book to Rishi Sunak – the Prime Minister at the time! Well, what more can I say…..this was an experience that will never be forgotten, both by the pupils and the staff – definitely the best school trip ever – athoot a doot!!
Wha’s yer plans fir the days aheid?
Tae 'haud it chappin'…..our local 'Hamewith' concert is this month. This involves pupils from all the feeder Primary Schools of Alford Academy, coming together to celebrate our Doric language and culture by reciting poems, singing songs, dancing and playing music.
We are also busy at Monymusk, putting the final touches to a big community project we have been working on with 'The Bennachie Centre'. The pupils of Monymusk have been learning all about our local hill and creating a display in Doric to showcase 'Bennachie – oor hill, oor hame, oor heritage'.
Read more about Jane Veitch
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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.