AN Aberdeenshire writer has been awarded the position of Scots Scriever.
Writer and performer Shane Strachan will champion the dialect of North East Scots, known as Doric, while holding the residency, which is hosted by the National Library of Scotland.
The post will give Strachan the opportunity to explore the richness of the National Library’s Scots language collections, as well as giving him the time to produce work in Doric.
Speaking in Doric, the Aberdeenshire-born writer said: “I’m fair trickit tae be this year’s Scots Scriever, especially gettin tae promote the Doric o my hame region Aiberdeenshire tae folk that bide ere and aabody else online.
“Broucht up in the fishin toons o Fraserburgh and Peterheid, I’ve been spikkin Doric aa my life and scrievin in it for sixteen years, sae it’s an honour tae haud this affa rare position wi the National Library of Scotland across the neist year.”
National Librarian Amina Shah said Strachan would continue the success of the Scots Scriever programme, which has helped promote the use of different dialects of Scots since its launch in 2015.
“We are delighted with the progress made through the Scriever programme,” she said. “It really has helped to showcase the diversity and breadth of the Scots language.
“Last year, Orkney Scriever Alison Miller’s exploration of new genres alongside championing Orcadian writing both locally and further afield celebrated Orkney as a stronghold of contemporary Scots.
“Now, with the appointment of Aberdeenshire Scriever, Shane Strachan, we are excited to welcome a fresh, dynamic voice to celebrate Doric as yet another facet in modern, vibrant and contemporary Scots writing.”
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Alan Bett, head of literature and publishing at Creative Scotland, said: “The Scriever is a rare opportunity for a writer to be provided time and support to create new writing in Scots.
"Shane Strachan is an excellent choice, able to create work in a range of literary disciplines, the ability to tap into the literary heritage of the language and produce exciting creative work sure to connect with a broad contemporary audience.”
The 12-month Scots Scriever residency is funded by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
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