Young authors are on the write path
A primary school pupil has been named West Lothian’s Young Writer of the Year 2018.
Freya Lamont, of Low Port Primary in Linlithgow, beat over 6000 entries from 38 local primary schools to win the prestigious title with her very moving entry‘ The Letter’.
‘The Letter’, is a message from a soldier to his younger sister, telling of his experience on the front line, of his fear and longing to be back home with his family and sweetheart.
Presenting Freya with the Young Writer of the Year award, author Emily Dodd said:“Freya’s piece was moving, capturing the authentic voice of Arthur, a young man who was grappling with the emotional pain of being at war as he wrote to his sister at home. It is an honour to present Freya with such a welldeserved award.
“I look forward to seeing her work in book shops one day. I wish all the winners the very best of luck and hope to read more of their stories in the future.”
Over 200 guests attended the awards ceremony at Howden Park Centre in Livingston to see Freya and 25 other prize winners from West Lothian schools receive their awards.
The leader of the council, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, and customer and community services manager, Ralph Bell, presented the prizes in the primary one to seven age groups.
Myra McPherson, a former head teacher in West Lothian primary schools, presented an award on behalf of Glowworm Books and Gifts and Elaine Cook, depute chief executive, made the presentation on behalf of the Scottish Book Trust.
Executive councillor for culture and leisure, Dave King presented the Irene Brough Shield to Low Port Primary School and Hilda Gibson, Customer and Community Services gave the Panel’s Choice Award.
The event, organised by the council’s Library Services aims to encourage creative writing, promote reading and reward effort.
The young writers’ work is published in a special booklet a copy of which was sent to each school and is also available from any library in West Lothian.