Saltire Society Announces Shortlists for the National Book Awards in Scotland

The Saltire Society today announced the shortlists for the 2021 Scotland’s National Book Awards.

Article Source: The Saltire Society
Last Updated: 16 November 2021 11:28

The Saltire Society today announced the shortlists for the 2021 Scotland’s National Book Awards. The winners of all ten prizes, as well as the Saltire Scottish Book of the Year and the recipient of the second Lifetime Achievement Award, will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Saturday 27 November.

Scotland’s National Book Awards, co-ordinated by the Saltire Society, recognise work across six literary categories (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Research, History, Poetry and First Book) and three publishing categories (Publisher, Emerging Publisher and Cover Design). An additional award, The Calum MacDonald Memorial Award for the publisher of an outstanding example of pamphlet poetry published during the previous year is presented in partnership with the Scottish Poetry Library. The Awards see the winner of each book Award receive a cash prize of £2,000 and go on to be considered for the top prize of Saltire Scottish Book of the Year, receiving a further £5,000. There are also three industry awards; Publisher of the Year and Emerging Publisher of the Year which are presented in partnership with Publishing Scotland and Book Cover of the Year which celebrates the enormous talent in Scottish design and the importance of the relationship between the designer, publisher and author.

Sarah Mason, Director of the Saltire Society, said: “We are delighted to be back celebrating Scottish books and publishing through Scotland’s National Book Awards. The last two years have been difficult for everyone, but the strength and resilience we have seen from our publishers, authors and designers is inspiring. Scotland’s National Book Awards have a long history of celebrating the richness of work happening in Scotland and the 2021 Awards are another stellar year. Congratulations to all our Shortlistees.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award, first awarded to Alasdair Gray in 2019, will be presented to an individual who has made a meaningful creative contribution to the world of literature. Nominees for the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award have been put forward by members of the public, and every name suggested has been considered by the panel of judges. The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates the individual’s work in its entirety and comes with a cash prize of £2,000.

Shortlisted books for 2021 include voices from Scotland’s working class with Booker Prize-winning Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart (PanMacmillan/Picador), Jenni Fagan’s Luckenbooth (Penguin/Randomhouse) and Scabby Queen by Kirstin Innes (Fourth Estate, HarperCollins) in the Fiction category. The Scots vernacular is celebrated in Ely Percy’s Duck Feet (Monstrous Regiment Press) and Graeme Armstrong’s The Young Team (Pan Macmillan/Picador) in the First Book Category. A wide range of topics ranging from Scotland’s abandoned islands, video games, early forensic detective work and graveyards are all covered in the Non-Fiction category while three books exploring the Gaelic language and legacy have made the shortlists – Nàdar De by Peter Mackay (Acair) in the Poetry Category, Wilson McLeod’s Gaelic in Scotland: Policies, Movements, Ideologies (Edinburgh University Press) in the Research Category and Gaelic Influence in the Northumbrian Kingdom: The Golden Age and the Viking Age (Boydell & Brewer) by Fiona Edmonds in the History Category.

The Scottish National Book Awards have been awarded by the Saltire Society since 1937 and in 2021 are supported by The Turtleton Charitable Trust. All entrants must be born in Scotland, live in Scotland or their books must be about Scotland.

The winners of each category will receive a bespoke Award created by Inverness-based artist Simon Baker of Evergreen Studios. Winners of all the Awards will be announced at a ceremony at Waterstones in Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow on the evening of Saturday 27 November attended by the judges, shortlisted authors and publishers. The ceremony will be live-streamed and tickets to watch online are available from Wednesday 17 November on www.saltiresociety.org.uk

As part of Book Week Scotland, The Saltire Society is proud to present two of the brilliant new voices in Scottish literature - Graeme Armstrong and Vanessa Harryhausen - both shortlisted for the First Book Award, in an online conversation with Niall Campbell on Wednesday 17 November at 7.30pm.

The Webinar is free to join following advance registration via www.saltiresociety.org.uk

Image: Vanessa Harryhausen

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh

King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.

Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November

This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.

Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.

Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.

18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.

Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers

From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day

To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh

Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.

Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston

Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic

The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Collective announces 2026 programme

Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.

Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.