Scots Language Awards set to sparkle after braw spell for the language

The Scots Language Awards will make its much-anticipated return this autumn when Johnstone Town Hall will host the very best of Scots language and culture on Saturday 16th September.

Article Source: Scots Language Awards
Last Updated: 9 June 2023 9:15

The awards, which were first started in 2019, celebrate the importance of Scots language within arts and culture but also within daily life, education, and business. Tying in with ‘Gie’s a Scots Poem Day’, organised by Hands up for Trad in partnership with The National Poetry Library, today’s launch encourages people to celebrate the Scots leid by sharing their favourite Scots poem online.

After what has been an iconic eight months for the language, with the Scottish Languages Bill kickstarting the official legal recognition of Scots in November last year and media outlets reporting upon her death that the Queen was known to speak the Doric dialect of Scots, never has it been so important to celebrate and recognise the importance and positioning of the language across our daily lives.

As the recognition of Scots as one of the three languages of Scotland continues to be promoted by the admirable efforts and work of people and organisations, it is hoped the Scottish Languages Bill will be a watershed moment in increasing the validity of the language. This year’s Scots Language Awards will recognise those continuing to amplify the narrative around the Scots leid and celebrate those who continue to fight for the language’s future.

Previous awards have recognised local heroes, teachers, businesses, schools and well-kent celebrities such as Iona Fyfe and Liz Lochhead.

The 12 categories, plus the widely-regarded Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award, will be presented by Alistair Heather. There will also be a host of incredible performances, including a recital from poet Shaun Moore who was appointed Renfrewshire’s Tannahill Makar last year.

Scotland’s traditional culture, music and arts organisation Hands Up For Trad organise the annual event and organiser Simon Thoumire said: “It’s brilliant to have witnessed such a promising year for the Scots leid, there is of course a lot more to be done but it is fantastic to see the narrative become louder around the language and its position as one of the three languages of our nation continuing to be pushed for.

“Celebrating these achievements is what these awards are all about, recognising those individuals, schools, businesses, and public figures who are advocates and champions for the language across the board. It’s really special to be bringing the awards to Johnstone for the first time, we can’t wait to bring this incredible night to the people of Renfrewshire. We’ll be opening nominations next month and look forward to uncovering all the incredible work in Scots that has taken place over the last year.”

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “Renfrewshire is experiencing a revival of interest in our Scots heritage and we look forward to welcoming The Scots Language Awards to Johnstone Town Hall this year for what is sure to be a fantastic event.

“It is so important to celebrate the role the Scots language plays not just in arts and culture but in our broader society, in order to acknowledge our past and secure the language’s future.”

Renfrewshire’s Tannahill Makar Shaun Moore, shared his thoughts on the event:
“We’re haein’ a haunlin’, a halesome hailsin’,
O’ the Scots leid, an’ ah’m vogie an’ vauntie,
Mindfu’ tae gie an imbui, tae the toon o’ Joanstin,
For the collogue’s gaithrin’ in ma hame coonty.”

The Scots Language Awards recognise the amazing efforts and work of the people and organisations who all use and speak Scots’ unique culture, music and words. Voting will be open to the public between 17th – 30th July 2023 and the Awards will take place on Saturday 16th September.

Scots Language has long been used by authors, spoken in our top films, and is experiencing a contemporary year on year resurgence via social media including a huge new audience of all ages on TikTok, as communities connect and realise their heritage, led by the public, influencers, and media alike.

Tickets for the Scots Language Awards are available here: renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com

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

Latest Edinburgh News

GRAHAM brings female focused ConstructHER programme to Edinburgh

Following the success of its flagship female apprenticeship scheme in Glasgow, leading construction company GRAHAM is launching its ConstructHER programme in Edinburgh this autumn.

Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month

Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.

St James Quarter announces year long partnership with Children First

St James Quarter, Edinburgh’s leading retail and lifestyle destination, has today announced a new 12-month charity partnership with Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.

Casting annouced for Inside No 9 Stage Fright

Full casting has been announced for the UK tour of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith’s Inside No.9 Stage/Fright, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in November.

Casting Announced for Top Hat Musical

The Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Irving Berlin’s Top Hat has announced the cast for the 2025 UK tour which opens at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 30th September 2025.

Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland

Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.

September at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Masterclasses to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in September!

Quasquicentennial celebrations for Glenogle Baths

Edinburgh Leisure’s Glenogle Swim Centre marks a major milestone this September, its quasquicentennial anniversary with a celebration event attended by the Lord Provost.

From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!

The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

National Galleries of Scotland reveals original plans for swimming baths under the building

Marking 175 years since Prince Albert laid the foundation stone of the National on 30 August 1850, the National Galleries of Scotland has shared its fascinating original building plans.

Cineworld announces first ever Big Screen Weekend

Cineworld's Big Screen Weekend is here! Turning the last weekend of summer into the UK's biggest celebration of cinema, with all films, all formats – for just £4, including booking fee.

Edinburghs Hogmanay announces 2025 headliner

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced indie-rock outfit Wet Leg as 2025’s Concert in the Gardens headliners.

Two Edinburgh based artists chosen for first residency at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Collection Trust is today announcing an artist residency for the upcoming major exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery.

Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025

The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.

Conifox Adventure Park Ultimate Halloween Festival returns

Conifox Adventure Park has announced the return of Edinburgh’s Ultimate Halloween Festival with the UK’s first-ever Laser Show over a Pumpkin Patch.

One Week To Go: Lammermuir Festival 2025

The Lammermuir Festival opens on Thursday 4th September in the beautiful, historic county of East Lothian, offering wonderful music played by some of the world’s finest musicians!

Myths and Legends come alive under the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and into a world where history and folklore entwine, as The Real Mary King’s Close unveils its brand-new “Myths and Legends Tour”.

Free wedding cake competition launched in Edinburgh

Ben & Jerry's will be selecting a lucky couple tying the knot this September to receive the ultimate Brookies & Cream Sundae tower for their wedding.

COSMO Edinburgh Wins Buffet Restaurant of the Year at the Food Awards Scotland 2025

COSMO Edinburgh has been crowned ‘Buffet Restaurant of the Year’ at the prestigious Food Awards Scotland 2025!

Edinburgh Bar Awards Announces 2025 Longlist with 150 Nominees

The one-month countdown is officially on for one of the biggest nights in Scotland’s hospitality calendar - the Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025, as the longlist of nominees is revealed.

Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage

People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.

Livingston Designer Outlet announces exciting new food hall deli and tasting bar

Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotland’s largest designer outlet, is thrilled to announce that bold new culinary destination, Hamilton & Brown, will be arriving at the centre this autumn.

Morningside community venue raises hundreds of pounds for Edinburgh pet charity

McLarens on the Corner has raised £600 for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, as part of its latest fundraising event.

Edinburgh International Festival sees Fullest Theatres and Concert Halls in more than a Decade

The 2025 Edinburgh International Festival concluded yesterday after an extraordinary three-week celebration of opera, dance, music and theatre in Scotland’s capital.

Edinburgh International Book Festival celebrates success in new home

Edinburgh International Book Festival has wrapped up a landmark year, celebrating a two-week long ‘Repair’ themed programme of events for all ages and interests in it's new home.

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) 2025 draws to a close

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 draws to a close and continues to scale up, building creative in-roads with filmmakers and industry.

Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.

OAPs get on the oars to back Scots bros rowing the Pacific

RESIDENTS living in an Edinburgh care home are throwing their weight behind three Scottish brothers as they close in on a world record-breaking row across the Pacific Ocean.