New creative writing award

Robin Whyte who died earlier this year, was not only a much-respected Irvine lawyer, but was also a talented creative writer whose skills enabled him to craft numerous short literary pieces including some fine poetry.

To mark his lifelong interest in creative writing, and by way of encouraging others to follow that same path, a number of his friends have launched a creative writing award in his name.

Entries are now being invit- ed from writers aged 16 years of age and over with the only caveat being that the entrant must come from, or be resident within, Ayrshire and Arran.

Theme

Named simply, The Robin Whyte Creative Writing Award, the theme for the initial award is ‘In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe’, a particularly appropriate theme as this year marks the bi-centenary of young Poe’s extended visit to relatives in Irvine from his permanent home in the USA. During that time he attended the primary school adjacent to Irvine’s Old Parish Church and Kirkyard.

Entries, which can be from amateur or professional writers, should be submitted, either electronically or typed on paper, to George Watson, 65 Bentinck Drive, Troon, KA10 6HZ (geowat110@ gmail.com) and should be of no longer than 2,000 words.

The closing date for entries is October 31, 2015