NOMINATIONS have opened for the 2023 Scots Language Awards, giving the public a chance to commend their personal Scots language heroes.
The awards ceremony will take place at Johnstone Town Hall, in partnership with Paisley.is, on Saturday, September 16, showcasing the best of Scots language and culture.
Entertainment on the night will include a recital from Renfrewshire’s poet laureate poet Shaun Moore, who was appointed as the region’s Tannahill Makar last year; talks from writers Cat Cochrane and Shane Strachan; and musical performances from Euan and Lewis McLaughlin, and Iona Fyfe.
The awards, which began in 2019, celebrate the importance of Scots language within arts and culture but also in daily life, education, and business. Nominations will close on Sunday, July 30, giving people almost two weeks to share their recommendations.
There are 12 categories across a host of areas and industries, as well as the widely-regarded Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award, which will be presented by Alistair Heather.
The categories are: Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award, supported by Creative Scotland; Scots Champion Award; Young Scots Writer o the Year, sponsored by Education Scotland; Scots Writer o the Year, sponsored by the National Library of Scotland.
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Scots Media Person o the Year; Scots Bairns Book o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Government; Scots Speaker o the Year; Scots Teacher o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Qualifications Authority; Scots School o the Year, sponsored by Itchy Coo / Black & White Publishing; Scots Project o the Year; Scots Book o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Book Trust; Scots Performer o the Year, sponsored by TRACS; and Scots Business o the Year.
Scotland’s traditional culture, music and arts organisation Hands Up For Trad is behind the annual event, and organiser Simon Thoumire said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time in our annual calendar as nominations open for the Scots Language Awards.
“It’s fantastic to learn about and champion people who are championing the Scots language that we might not otherwise know about, and to hear such inspirational stories from the public.
“It is wonderful to see such a growth in the use of Scots language, and a privilege to witness the efforts of those continuing to promote it through art, literature, business, teaching and more.
“If you know someone who embodies the essence of the Scots language, or shows unwavering dedication and passion in promoting it to others, we want to hear all about them! Make sure to nominate them for an award and share their story.”
Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Scots Language Awards 2023 and Johnstone Town Hall will be a fantastic venue for this wonderful event I hope everyone takes the chance to make a nomination and highlight some of the great achievements this year.”
To nominate, go to projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotslanguageawards. Tickets for the awards are available at renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173641551
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