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.
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: https://renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173641551
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