Alasdair Gray wins the Inaugural Saltire Society Scottish Lifetime Achievement Award
In a ceremony presided over by BBC Presenter Cathy MacDonald, Alasdair Gray was awarded the inaugural Saltire Society Scottish Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Scottish literature.
Article Source: Garron Communications
Last Updated: 1 December 2019 11:45
The Saltire Society announced the winners of the 2019 Literary Awards at a glittering ceremony at the National Museum of Scotland last night. Kirstie Blair received the prestigious Saltire Society Scottish Book of the Year Award for her Working Verse in Victorian Scotland: Poetry, Press, Community (published by Oxford University Press), and in a new award for 2019 Alasdair Gray was awarded the inaugural Saltire Society Scottish Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Scottish literature.
In a ceremony presided over by BBC Presenter Cathy MacDonald, Awards were presented in six literary categories including The Saltire Society Scottish Fiction Book of the Year won by Ewan Morrison with his novel Nina X (published by Little Brown Group/Fleet Imprint) and The Saltire Society Scottish Non Fiction Book of the Year won by Melanie Reid for her memoir The World I Fell Out Of (published by Fourth Estate, Harper Collins). The Saltire Society Scottish Poetry Book of the Year was presented to Janette Ayachi for her collection Hand Over Mouth Music (published by Pavilion Poetry), The Saltire Scottish History Book of the Year Award, supported by the Scottish Historical Review Trust, was presented to Norman H Reid for Alexander III; 1249-1286, First Among Equals (published by Birlinn) and The Saltire Scottish Research Book of the Year Award, supported by the National Library of Scotland was won by Working Verse in Victorian Scotland: Poetry, Press, Community by Kirstie Blair (published by Oxford University Press).
The Saltire Society Scottish First Book of the Year Award was presented jointly to two authors – Stephen Rutt for his book The Seafarers: A Journey Among Birds (published by Elliott & Thompson) and Clare Hunter for her Threads of Life (published by Sceptre/Hodder & Stoughton). The panel of Judges for this Award were taken by Rutt’s personal journey from an overwhelming job to being among seabirds, “the book’s transportative aspect means the reader not only learns new things but experiences them”. On Threads of Life they commented “A work that weaves the political, communal and complex history of needle craft. Hunter shares her personal relationship to this craft while shining a light on an often-overlooked aspect of the creative arts, one brilliantly stitched into women’s history, and larger global politics.”
Sarah Mason, Programme Director for the Saltire Society, said “Scotland’s National Book Awards 2019 have again shown the astounding literary talent of Scotland and we congratulate all our recipients and shortlistees. As well as being a vital opportunity for the Saltire Society and its partners to celebrate and recognise creativity in literature and publishing, the Awards raise their wider profile both nationally and internationally.
“Our special congratulations go to our inaugural Lifetime Achievement recipient, Alasdair Gray, whose influence runs deep within Scotland and much further afield. We are delighted to be able to recognise his contribution in this way.
“The breadth of talent shown by the winners of the Saltire Society’s Awards show that Scotland’s literary scene is in very safe, very gifted hands."
Working Verse in Victorian Scotland: Poetry, Press, Community was selected as The Saltire Society Scottish Book of the Year by a panel of judges from the winners of the five Literary Awards. The judges found its accessibility in subject and in its writing profound. The fact that it is an important, significant piece of research did not discolour its enjoyability, with laugh out loud moments and fascinating facts. The judges felt a warmth from it and to it.
The National Library of Scotland support the Saltire Society Scottish Research Book of the Year, and The National Library of Scotland’s Associate Director of Collections and Research, Robin Smith said “It’s not every day the winner of the research category scoops the overall Saltire prize, which demonstrates just what a compelling and important read Ms Blair’s work is. Research adds to our collective understanding of the world around us, and sharing the resultant knowledge is just as important as the activity itself. We encourage and promote research on every subject imaginable at the National Library, and we’re delighted to continue to support this award.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said, “Scotland’s distinguished literary culture is a notable part of our national identity and the Saltire Literary Awards do an excellent job of recognising our talented writers and authors. I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to all of the award winners.”
Winner of the inaugural Saltire Society Lifetime Achievement Award Alasdair Gray, who was born in 1934, graduated in design and mural painting from Glasgow School of Art. His acclaimed first novel, Lanark, written over almost 30 years, was described by The Guardian as ‘one of the landmarks of 20th-century fiction’. Since the publication of Lanark in 1981 he has written, designed and illustrated seven novels, including Poor Things which won him a Whitbread Novel Award and Guardian Fiction Prize. several books of short stories, a collection of his stage, radio and TV plays and a book of his visual art, A Life in Pictures.
The Saltire Society judges commented “Before the publication of Lanark, Alasdair Gray was best known for his painting. A seminal piece, Lanark is often referred to as the Glasgow Ulysses. This however was not a one-off masterpiece. For over 40 years, Alasdair Gray’s plentiful and diverse work has influenced writers and the literary scene worldwide.”
Mairi Kidd, Head of Literature, Languages & Publishing, Creative Scotland said “In awarding the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Alasdair Gray, the Saltire Literary Awards have recognised a true iconoclast. Gray‘s work blazed a trail for rich and experimental Scottish writing, and this year’s winners list is packed with precisely that. Gray, of course, is a polymath with an incredible body of illustration, visual art and design to his name; it therefore seems particularly apt that the Awards should recognise book design for the first time this year. Congratulations to Alasdair, Kirstie, and all the other winners.”
Two publishing Awards were presented – The Saltire Society Scottish Publisher of the Year was awarded to Sandstone Press, based in Inverness who have provided a platform for Scottish subjects and taken risks with translated fiction, resulting in publishing the winner of this year’s Man Booker International Prize. 404 Ink were Highly Commended. The Saltire Society Emerging Publisher of the Year Award, presented in partnership with Publishing Scotland, was awarded jointly to Kay Farrell of Sandstone Press and Alan Windram of Little Door Press. Jamie Norman of Canongate books was Highly Commended.
In a new Award for 2019 The Wind That Lays Waste by Selva Almada (translated by Chris Andrews), published by Charco Press and designed by Pablo Font was awarded The Saltire Society Scottish Book Cover of the Year, with judges saying “The design echoes the story within while allowing the viewer room to take from it their own meaning. The use of colour and an evocative image creates a strong, bold cover.”
Finally, The Calum Macdonald Memorial Award for the publisher of an outstanding example of pamphlet poetry published during the previous year was won by Sarah Stewart for Tapsalteerie, Glisk. This Award is administered by the Scottish Poetry Library and it is the first time it has been presented as part of the Saltire Society Literary Awards.
The winners of each category received a bespoke Award created by Inverness based-artist Simon Baker of Evergreen Studios and a cash remuneration.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue
Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MORE
Two Edinburgh Bakeries launch unique Macaron and Cake Tower
Mademoiselle Macaron and Mimi’s Bakehouse have announced a new collaboration which combines handcrafted French macarons with signature sponge tiers in a bespoke macaron and cake tower.
READ MORE
Full Line up Announced for Soundhouse Winter Festival
The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
READ MORE
Hard Rock Edinburgh goes pink for PINKTOBER
Hard Rock Edinburgh is honouring Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October through Hard Rock International’s 26th annual PINKTOBER campaign.
READ MORE
The Wee Waddle is back at Edinburgh Zoo
From tomorrow (Thursday 2 October) Edinburgh Zoo’s penguin colony will take part in the Wee Waddle, a reimagined version of the world-famous Penguin Parade.
READ MORE
Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
Breast Cancer UK is launching its bold Street Nipples campaign in Edinburgh
Breast Cancer UK is launching its bold ‘Street Nipples’ campaign, uniquely transforming everyday pavement studs across Edinburgh into striking reminders for people to check their breasts.
READ MORE
CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween
Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORE
Edinburgh families sleeping in layers of coats just to stay warm
The Leith Collective launches annual Winter Coat Exchange and hopes to make it more accessible than ever.
READ MORE
The List celebrates 40 years championing arts and culture scene
The List, Scotland's guide to what's on in arts, culture and entertainment, is celebrating its 40th birthday in October.
READ MORE
Lara Denning joins cast for Steps Musical at Edinburgh Playhouse
The producers of the brand-new musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation, Steps, are delighted to announce that West End actress Lara Denning will take over the role of Caz.
READ MORE
New Zealand boutique winery Little Beauty set for winemakers dinner at Ka Pao Edinburgh
Ka Pao Edinburgh is set to host a one-night-only winemaker’s dinner with acclaimed New Zealand winery Little Beauty.
READ MORE
Philharmonic orchestra Capella Edina announces first Patron and Honorary President
As Edinburgh’s first resident philharmonic orchestra for almost 90 years, Capella Edina is delighted to announce two new key supporters of the orchestra and its vision.
READ MORE
Popeyes announces restaurant at Fort Kinnaird
The wait is over for fried chicken lovers in Greater Edinburgh, as Popeyes® UK has announced that it will be launching its second restaurant in the Lothians this Autumn.
READ MORE
Free tickets for The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Edinburgh
With just days until The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Edinburgh opens, snap up two free tickets worth £24!
READ MORE
SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MORE
UK Roadshow to champion impact of local small businesses
Small Business Saturday UK Tour will be coming to Edinburgh on 5th November as part of its nationwide roadshow celebrating the nation’s favourite small businesses.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MORE
Forever Edinburgh launches new Resident Days as a celebration of Edinburgh residents
Forever Edinburgh launches Resident Days, an initiative giving people who live in the capital exclusive opportunities to enjoy free or discounted access to local attractions, tours and experiences.
READ MORE
Step into Frankensteins Edinburgh with The Balmoral
As Netflix's highly anticipated Frankenstein prepares to premiere this Autumn, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, unveils an immersive experience of Edinburgh's darker delights.
READ MORE
East Lothian set to host flagship conference on collaboration and change
The 2025 VCEL Third Sector Conference will unite community organisations, East Lothian Council, the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) and national partners.
READ MORE
Government roadshow showcases Scottish talent and boosts SME exports
Small business exporters and ambitious SMEs across Scotland will be front and centre of a new roadshow in Edinburgh - Made in the UK Sold to the World.
READ MORE
Japanese expert offers perfect blend for ultimate afternoon tea experience in Edinburgh
A Japanese cultural expert will be sailing aboard luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Saturday 1st November to enrich one of Edinburgh’s ultimate afternoon tea experiences.
READ MORE
Winners Crowned at the 2025 Edinburgh Bar Awards
The Capital’s finest pubs, bars and hospitality stars were celebrated last night (Monday, 22 September 2025) at the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball.
READ MORE
Jali Collective launches Film Weekender
Jali Collective launches its inaugural Jali Film Weekender, a new film festival celebrating Black, African and diaspora stories to be held in Edinburgh from 30 October - 2 November 2025.
READ MORE
Castle view venue unwraps Christmas showcase in Edinburgh
One of Edinburgh’s most iconic Christmas venues has unwrapped its festive lineup to begin the countdown to the biggest day of the year.
READ MORE
Castle of Light returns to Edinburgh Castle this winter
Edinburgh Castle will shine brighter than ever this winter as the UK’s largest annual projection show, Castle of Light, returns for a sixth year.
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort makes waves in education with Surf and STEM programme for schools
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is making waves in STEM education with the launch of its new Surf and STEM education programme.
READ MORE
Southside School set to celebrate two decades of dance with big birthday bash
Southside School of Dance is preparing to mark a milestone anniversary with an unmissable community event taking place at One Dalkeith on Saturday 20th September!
READ MORE
Halloween activities and haunted builds await this October at the LEGO store
This October LEGO Stores across the UK will be transformed into mini haunted playgrounds, offering free family-friendly experiences and exclusive Halloween goodies.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links