Weel duin tae Shannon Lynch wha hae bin nominatit in Scots Performer o the Year 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 Shannon Lynch o Shannon Lynch thae speirins.
Tell us aboot yersel or yer ootfit.
Braw Clan is a Scots language theatre company making ambitious new plays for rural audiences in Clydesdale and southern Scotland. They bring powerful stories and world-class performers to village halls. The Needle Room by Martin Travers is a tense thriller set in a big house in Lanark in 1934. I played Rebecca, housekeeper to the wealthy Galbraith family. The played toured to Carnwath, Lanark, Leadhills, Coulter, Crawfordjohn, Symington and Biggar last September.
Whit wis it got ye involvit wi the Scots leid?
I became involved through Braw Clan, taking part in their Scots Toolkit workshop which trains actors to perform in Scots. It was an amazing learning opportunity and allowed me to develop my knowledge and understanding of the language. I was then lucky enough to work on The Needle Room. It was my first professional experience performing in Scots and gave me the opportunity to explore how Scots can be used as a powerful tool for storytelling.
Why dae ye feel it is important tae use Scots in everyday life?
I think it is important to use Scots in our daily lives, as it is a vital part of our history and culture that has been lost over time. Our heritage should be celebrated and preserved, not forgotten.
Dae ye hae a favourite Scots phrase or saying?
My favourite Scots word is glaikit. I remember being called that many a time growing up.
Is there a Scots speaker who inspires you?
The first person I really remember hearing speak Scots on television was Joyce Falconer. Growing up, I was often told to speak “properly” and would sometimes get into bother for using Scots words, as if it was something to be ashamed of. Seeing someone like Joyce on television, proudly embracing the way she spoke, was an inspiration to me. It showed me that our voices and the way we speak are an important part of who we are.
Do you hear Scots spoken regularly in your local area? Have you noticed any changes over time?
Scots isn’t typically spoken where I live, but we do use a lot of Scots words and phrases in everyday life. I think this is true for many people, but not everyone is aware that the words and phrases they use are actually part of the Scots language. Before my work with Braw Clan, I didn’t even know I was a Scots speaker. Learning more about the language has made me feel proud of the way I speak and has encouraged me to learn more. I think it is important that people understand where these words and phrases come from and recognise Scots as an important part of our culture.
Ony particlar career heighlichts
The highlight of my career has definitely been The Needle Room. This was my first professional show, and having the opportunity to work alongside other professional actors was truly an experience of a lifetime. It was a huge milestone for me and gave me the confidence to believe in myself as a performer. I think sometimes it just takes one person to see something special in you, believe in your potential and give you a chance. Braw Clan gave me that chance.
Wha’s yer plans fir the days aheid?
I would love to continue performing in theatre and develop my skills as a professional actor. I currently work in community arts, so I would also love to continue learning new skills and gaining experiences that I can bring back into my community work. Being able to share these skills and pass on what I have learned through the community projects I work on is really important to me. I want to continue growing as a performer while also using my experiences to support and encourage others within my community.
Read more about Shannon Lynch
https://brawclan.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
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.