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The Gaelic Literature Awards 2024 – Open to entries

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2024 – Open to entries

Posted on 1 March 2024 in Latest News

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2024 are now open to submissions from Scottish Gaelic writers and publishers. Prizes of £1,000 to the author and £500 to the publisher will be awarded for the winning books published between 1st May 2023 and 30th April 2024 in the following categories:

    • Poetry – The Derick Thomson Prize
    • Fiction – The Highland Society of London Prize
    • Non-fiction – The Donald Meek Award
    • Children/young people

In addition to published books, there is also an opportunity for writers to submit unpublished manuscripts for children and for adults, with prizes of between £500-£1,000 available. As part of the prize, the winner of the best manuscript for children will have the opportunity to develop their book with the publisher, Acair.

The deadline for submissions is 30th April 2024. Information on how to submit an entry and the competition terms and conditions can be found here. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow on 17th September 2024.

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The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023: Shortlists

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023: Shortlists

Posted on 22 August 2023 in Latest News

The shortlists for the Gaelic Literature Awards 2023 have been announced. Prizes are to be awarded in four categories for books published between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, and in two categories for the best unpublished manuscripts.

Best Book for Children/Young People
An Gille, am Famh, an Sionnach ’s an t-Each: An Sgeulachd Bheò-dheilbhte – Charlie Mackesy, translated by Johan Smith (Luath Press)
Cath Gun Chrìch
– Raghnaid Sandilands, illustrated by Gary Dewar (Dreathan-donn)
Donaidh Dathach – Gwen Bowie (Spòrs)
Na Stocan agus na Stùcan – Julia Donaldson, translated by Morag Stewart, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Acair)

The Derick Thomson Prize for Best Poetry Book (sponsored by The Scottish Poetry Library)
Doras gun Chlàimhean – edited by Catriona Murray (Acair)
Fuaimean Gràidh / The Sounds of Love – Niall O’Gallagher (Francis Boutle Publishers)
Lorg Eile / Final Call – Rody Gorman (Francis Boutle Publishers)
Polaris – Marcas Mac an Tuairneir (Leamington Books)

The Highland Society of London Prize for Best Fiction Book
Crann-fìge / Fig Tree – Duncan Gillies (Acair)
Fir an Diùraidh – Alistair Paul (Luath Press)
Tàcharan Mhealbhaigh – Roddy Maclean (CLÀR)

The Donald Meek Award for Best Non-fiction Book
Bho Bheul an Eòin / From the Bird’s Mouth – Derek Robertson (Woodlands Studios)
Cha Till MiseRoddy G. Maclean (Acair)
Gun Sireadh, Gun Iarraidh: The Tolmie Collection – edited by Kenna Campbell & Ainsley Hamill (Acair)
Na Sgeulachdan Gàidhlig: Iain Mac a’ Ghobhainn – edited by Ian MacDonald & Moray Watson (Scottish Gaelic Texts Society)

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Children/Young People (in association with Acair)
Do mo nighean –  Alasdair MacEòsaiph
Doris aig an Doras agus Sgeulachdan Eile – Shelagh Campbell
Seasaidh Sìthiche agus am Fùlo – Victoria MacIver

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Adults
Aisling an Itealaich: Rann is Rabhd – Alistair Paul
CEUM – John D. Urquhart
Nam Li Po – Rody Gorman

The winners will be announced on Thursday 14 September 2023. We invite you to join us at Cottiers Theatre to celebrate their success. Click here to book your ticket.
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The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023 – Open to entries

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023 – Open to entries

Posted on 2 March 2023 in Latest News

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023 logo

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023 are now open to submissions from Scottish Gaelic writers and publishers. Prizes of £1,000 to the author and £500 to the publisher will be awarded for the winning books published between 1st May 2022 and 30th April 2023 in the following categories:

    • Poetry – The Derick Thomson Prize, sponsored by the Scottish Poetry Library
    • Fiction – The Highland Society of London Prize
    • Non-fiction – The Donald Meek Award
    • Children/young people

In addition to published books, there is also an opportunity for writers to submit unpublished manuscripts for children and for adults, with prizes of between £500-£1,000 available. As part of the prize, the winner of the best manuscript for children will have the opportunity to develop their book with the publisher, Acair.

The deadline for submissions is 30th April 2023. Information on how to submit an entry and the competition terms and conditions can be found here. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow on 14th September 2023.

 

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The Gaelic Literature Awards 2022: Shortlists

NDL22 logo

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2022: Shortlists

Posted on 18 August 2022 in Latest News

NDL22 logo

The shortlists for the Gaelic Literature Awards 2022 have been announced. Prizes are to be awarded in four categories for books published between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022.

Best Book for Children/Young People
Blàr Mòr na Fighe – Marie C. Macaulay, illustrated by Robin Bans (Acair)
Caiptean Cora – Lana Beaton, illustrated by Alice Watson (Theatre Gu Leòr)
Dubh às – Sylvia Hehir, translated by Johan Smith (Garmoran Publishing)
Mòr-thubaist aig na Geamannan Gàidhealach – Riel Nason, translated by Morag Ann MacNeil, illustrated by Nathasha Pilotte (Bradan Press)

The Derick Thomson Prize for Best Poetry Book (sponsored by The Scottish Poetry Library)
An Seachdamh Tonn / The Seventh Wave – Sandaidh NicDhòmhnaill Jones (Acair)
Dùileach / Elemental – Marcas Mac an Tuairneir (Evertype)
Eadar Ceòl is Coròna: Bàrdachd is òrain – Dòmhnall Eachann Meek (CLÀR)
Fear de Mhuinntir Sholais / A Sollas Man – Fred Macaulay (Acair)

The Highland Society of London Prize for Best Fiction Book
Às a’ Chamhanaich – Aonghas MacLeòid (Bradan Press)
Constabal Murdo 2: Murdo ann am Marseille – Angus Peter Campbell (Luath Press)
Dòrlach Sìl: Sgeulachdan Sean agus Ùr – Myles Campbell (Luath Press)
Linne Dhomhain – Alistair Paul (Luath Press)

The Donald Meek Award for Best Non-fiction Book
Ainmean Tuineachaidh Leòdhais / The Settlement Names of Lewis – Richard A.V. Cox (Clann Tuirc)
Maim-slè – Alasdair C. Whyte (Theatre Gu Leòr)
Rotal: Iasgairean Leòdhais ’s Na Hearadh – Maggie Smith (Heather Isle Publishing)

There are also two prizes for the best unpublished manuscripts.

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Children/Young People (in association with Acair)
An Cat Coigreach – June C. Ghreumach
Càirdeas Àraidh– Alasdair MacEòsaiph
Sguir a Chomhartaich – June C. Ghreumach
Taigh a’ Phuimcein: Dàn do dh’Oidhche Shamhna – Alistair Paul

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Adults
Am Measg Luaithrean Beò – Robbie MacLeòid
Ceum – Iain D. Urchardan
Daol am Shùil – Calum MacFhionghain
Iomall: Cruinneachadh de Sgeulachdan Ficsean Saidheansail – Alistair Paul

The winners will be announced on Thursday 15 September 2022. We invite you to join us at Cottiers Theatre to celebrate their success. Click here to book your ticket.

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Gaelic New Writers Awardees 2024

Gaelic New Writers Awardees 2024

Posted on 21 February 2024 in Latest News

© Rob MacDougall

The names of the New Writers Awardees 2024 have been announced by the Scottish Book Trust. Two of the recipients will be writing in Gaelic, with the support of the Gaelic Books Council.

Every year Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives with reading and writing, holds the prestigious year-long writer development programme to support burgeoning writers living in Scotland. As well as a £2,000 cash award, they will receive mentorship from writers and industry professionals, a week-long retreat, and opportunities to showcase work to publishing industry professionals.

This year’s Gaelic awardees are teachers and writers Kristina Nicolson and Iain Cuimeanach.

© Rob MacDougall

Kristina Nicolson (32) is a Gaelic teacher from Glasgow who is writing a series of children’s books based on Gaelic songs. Kristina was brought up surrounded by Gaelic music and culture, which remains an important part of her family life to this day. She lived over in Australia for ten years where she studied English literature and sociology at the University of Adelaide. While it was a fantastic experience living overseas, she missed her Scottish culture and heritage and decided to come home.  She is now teaching Gaelic to children in Glasgow and is delighted that both her children are immersed in the language as well.

Kristina says: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to have received a New Writers Award! I am grateful for the support I will receive thanks to this award and looking forward to creating more children’s literature and sharing some Scottish culture and traditional music with children.’

 

Iain Cuimeanach (Cumming) (48) is a Gaelic teacher in Wester Ross and the history, culture, people and landscape of the area provide a rich source of inspiration for him in his writing. His stories are often centred around moments of crisis. In the last few years, he has won several prizes at the National Mod for short stories and non-fiction articles and in the FilmG competition for script writing. One of his stories was published with an English translation in the magazine Southlight last year. Iain is very much looking forward to the opportunity and challenge that the New Writers Award will provide and writing on a more focussed, consistent basis.

Ian Cuimeanach (Cumming) says: ‘It is a real honour to receive a New Writers Award and I am grateful to Comhairle nan Leabhraichean and The Scottish Book Trust for this opportunity. I am very much looking forward to working with a mentor, to having time dedicated to writing and to seeing how my work evolves over the course of the year and beyond. I have gained so much from Gaelic literature and hope that I will be able to make my own small contribution to it.’

The Gaelic Books Council would like to congratulate Kristina, Iain, and all the awardees. More information about the awardees can be found here: https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/writing-and-authors/new-writers-awards/this-years-new-writers

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Ignite Fellowship Awardees 2024

Ignite Fellowship Awardees 2024

Posted on 14 December 2023 in Latest News

© Meadhbh Maguire

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has announced the sixth cohort of Ignite Fellows, a prestigious award which supports established writers working on a significant project.

Ignite Fellows receive a £2,000 bursary and creative support tailored to suit their individual projects. Kris Haddow, based in Glasgow; Alycia Pirmohamed, based in Edinburgh; and Gaelic-language writer Calum L. MacLeòid, based in the Highlands, have been awarded Ignite Fellowships this year.

Calum L. MacLeòid is a writer and journalist. His second novel Fon Choill won the Gaelic Literature Award 2021 for Best Fiction Book and his debut play ‘Stornoway, Quebec’ toured with Theatre Gu Leòr this year. He lives in Dingwall.

Calum L. MacLeòid said: ‘I am delighted to receive this award and can’t wait to participate in the Ignite scheme.’

Alison Lang, Director of the Gaelic Books Council, commented: “Comhairle nan Leabhraichean is pleased to be partnering once again with Scottish Book Trust to provide an established Gaelic writer with this excellent opportunity to develop new work with the support of a mentor. Calum L. MacLeòid has enjoyed success with his novels and drama, and we very much look forward to reading more about the short stories he plans to work on during his year as an Ignite Fellow.”

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Christmas Gifting Tree

Christmas Gifting Tree

Posted on 24 November 2023 in Latest News

 

Each year Comhairle nan Leabhraichean takes part in Fair Saturday, a festival that aims to counteract the values that Black Friday often represents. Creative arts and cultural groups come together across the globe to put on events and support social causes.

Continuing on from the success of our Christmas Gifting Tree last year, we are once again launching a Christmas Gifting Tree as part of Fair Saturday. Our Christmas Gifting Tree relies on your kindness and generosity to help give children from disadvantaged backgrounds a Gaelic book for Christmas. All it takes is a small donation of £6.99 per book. To donate please visit https://www.gaelicbooks.org/product-category/christmas-gifting-tree  

The Christmas Gifting Tree will run from Saturday 25 November to Saturday 09 December.  The books will then be wrapped and sent out to schools on the last week of term.

Thank you for helping us share the gift of reading this Christmas.

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Bursaraidh Leasachaidh Dealbh-chluich Gàidhlig

Bursaraidh Leasachaidh Dealbh-chluich Gàidhlig

Posted on 24 October 2023 in Latest News

Ceann-latha airson tagraidhean: 4f, Dihaoine 10 Samhain 2023.

Tha Bursaraidh Leasachaidh Dealbh-chluich Gàidhlig (ann an co-bhann le Playwrights’ Studio Scotland) na chothrom bhrosnachail airson sgriobhaiche stèidhichte ann an Alba a bhith a’ faighinn taic phrataigeach agus ionmhasail gus dealbh-chluich ùr a chruthachadh sa Ghàidhlig.

’S e amas a’ bhursaraidh a bhith a’ cruthachadh àite do sgrìobhadairean a bhith a’ obair le neart air pìos obrach ùr airson an àrd-ùrlair suas ris a’ chiad dreachd. Seo cothrom a bhith a’ dèanamh rudeigin a-mach às an àbhaist agus a bhith a’ coimhead air beachd-smaoin is dòcha nach biodh cothrom aca a dhèanamh mur a b’ e am bursaraidh seo.

Bidh gach bursaraidh a’ tabhann taic a thaobh airgead, àite, sgilean, seiseanan sgrùdaidh, leasachadh, agus coimhearsnachd thar bliadhna gus do chuideachadh le bhith a’ cruthachadh an ath (no a’ chiad) dhealbh-chluich agad.

Cuirear fàilte air tagraidhean bho dhràmairean, sgrìobhadairean ficsean, bàird no sgrìobhadairean òran a bhios a’ sgrìobhadh ann an Gàidhlig, a tha airson obair ùr a dhèanamh stèidhichte air sgriobt airson an àrd-ùrlair. Do dhaoine nach eil nan dràmairean, bhiodh e na chuideachadh nam biodh tomhas de dh’eòlas aca air riochdachadh no leasachadh tèatar gus am faigh iad an luach as motha às an Duais seo. Feumaidh dealas a bhith agad airson a bhith a’ sgrìobhadh dràma dhan àrd-ùrlar.

Na tha na lùib

Airgead
£3,634 (Tha seo co-ionann ris a’ phàigeadh cùmhnaint aig FST/SSP airson ciad dreach).

Àite
Fois-sgrìobhaidh fad seachdain aig Cove Park no ionad coltach ris, gus ùine a thoirt dhut a bhith ag obair air an sgriobt. Pàighidh sinn cosgaisean siubhail agus bidh pàigheadh làitheil ann airson biadh.

Cothrom deasg a chleachdadh ann an Seòmar Sgrìobhaidh Tom MhicRàith san CCA rè àm a’ Bhursaraidh seo.

Seiseanan sgrùdaidh
Tha na seiseanan sgrùdaidh nan seiseanan buidhne a tha rim faighinn dhut mar dhràmaire a tha a’ faighinn taic bho Stiùidio nan Dràmairean. Tha iad air an dealbhadh gus cur ris na sgilean agus eòlas agad air gnìomhachas an tèatair, a’ toirt dhut cothrom ceistean a chur agus a bhith a’ smaoineachadh mu na taobhan eile de bhith nad dhràmaire nach eil daonnan a’ gabhail a-steach a bhith a’ sgrìobhadh.

Leasachadh
Gheibh thu cothrom air trì seiseanan dà uair a thìde le Dràmaire Co-phàirteach no proifeasantach tèatair bhon taobh a-muigh. Bidh taic air a dhealbh a rèir far a bheil thu den bheachd gu bheil taic a dhìth ort gus do sgrìobt a leasachadh.

Bidh cothrom agad cuideachd air bùth-obrach leasachaidh sgriobt, a mhaireas latha, le stiùiriche agus cleasaichean proifeiseanta.

Coimhearsnachd
Cruthaichidh Stiùidio nan Dràmairean cothroman dhut ceanglaichean a dhèanamh le do cho-leithid sa ghnìomhachas. Tha seo a’ gabhail a-steach turas buidhne dhan taigh-chluich, cuiridhean a choinneachadh ri prìomh chleachdaichean ann an tèatar na h-Alba agus tachartasan sòisealta le dràmairean eile.

Tuilleadh fiosrachaidh

Tha tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mun bhursaraidh is mar a nithear tagradh ri fhaighinn tron duilleag seo no air làrach-lìn Playwrights’ Studio Scotland an seo.

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The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023 – photos

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023 – photos

Posted on 28 September 2023 in Latest News

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023 were held at Cottiers Theatre on 14th September 2023. A full list of the award winners is available here.

Here are some photos from this year’s event. All photos from the event can be viewed here.
All photos © Holly Pearson www.hollyamelia.myportfolio.com.

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Do Dhòmhnall Camshron Nach Maireann – a poem by Rody Gorman

Do Dhòmhnall Camshron Nach Maireann – a poem by Rody Gorman

Posted on 19 September 2023 in Latest News

Donald Cameron, 1953–2023

DO DHÒMHNALL CAMSHRON NACH MAIREANN

Chì mi bhuam thall
Mo laochan fo bhruthach Àrd Ghunail
Cho àrd hao ri ris na nèimh
Air fàire fail iù leis fhèin
Là sèimh san t-seal-mhara

’S e ri caitheamh maide
Ris a’ chù na chois air a’ mhol
Eadar an tiùrr is an làn
Ìseal ’s e gu bhith ri tilleadh
Eadar a’ Chlachaig is an Fhaoilinn,

Seadh, bhuam is dlùth na dhèidh sin
Am fear uasal àrd ud
A chuireadh an tìde seachad
Air an t-sliabh-mhònach
Ri dreachdadh is ri breacadh is ri snaigheadh
No ri cur is togail nan cliabh
No a’ triall gu mall
Chall eile na charbad geal
Feasgar air siubhal a’ bhaile
’S a’ dol an lùib dhaoine

’S air a chùl Sgeir nan Gillean
A’ tighinn an uachdar is a’ dol
Am priobadh nan sùl às an t-sealladh
Na saothair is a’ dol fodha
Hi ri na h-aon Tìr-fo-Thuinn

Agus an uair sin e ri tionndadh
Ri falbh dhan taigh mu dheireadh
Is ag èigheachd air a chuilean tighinn dhachaigh
’S an t-eathar aig MacAonghais no MacDhòmhnaill air baile
San taobh thall ’s an cladach fuar falamh.

by Rody Gorman

 

 

Donald Cameron was from Grenitote, North Uist, but he spent many years in Glasgow working at BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. Donald supported the Gaelic Books Council in many ways over the years, from being on the judging panel for the Donald Meek Award, to being a member of our board. He will be greatly missed.

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The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023: The Winners

The Gaelic Literature Awards 2023: The Winners

Posted on 15 September 2023 in Latest News

The winners of the Gaelic Literature Awards 2023 have been announced at a ceremony at Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow, on Thursday 14th September 2023. Prizes were awarded in four categories for books published between 1st May 2022 and 30th April 2023, and also for unpublished manuscripts for adults and for children/young people.

Best Book for Children/Young People
Donaidh Dathach – Gwen Bowie (Spòrs)

 

The Derick Thomson Prize for Best Poetry Book (sponsored by the Scottish Poetry Library)
Doras gun Chlàimhean – edited by Catriona Murray (Acair)

 

The Highland Society of London Prize for Best Fiction Book
Crann-fìge: Sgeulachdan Goirid / Fig Tree: Short Stories – Duncan Gillies (Acair)

 

The Donald Meek Award for Best Non-fiction Book
Gun Sireadh, Gun Iarraidh: The Tolmie Collection – edited by Kenna Campbell & Ainsley Hamill (Acair)

 

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Children/Young People (in association with Acair)
Doris aig an Doras agus Sgeulachdan Eile – Shelagh Campbell

 

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Adults
CEUM – John D. Urquhart

 

The Gaelic Books Council congratulates the winners and offers sincere thanks to all the people and organisations who have contributed to the Gaelic Literature Awards 2023, including Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Highland Society of London, the Scottish Poetry Library, Acair, Donald Meek, and the family of the late Professor Derick Thomson.

Shortlists for each category can be found here.