Gaelic writers call for Scotland’s real-life stories of adventure
Members of the public are being asked to share their real-life stories by national charity Scottish Book Trust, writes Sandy Neil.
In its 15th year, Scotland’s Stories is an annual writing opportunity where people can share a true story from their life, around this year’s theme of adventure. A selection of stories submitted will be published in a free book, distributed during Book Week Scotland.
Alongside the stories from the public, Scottish Book Trust has commissioned pieces from several writers including two Gaelic writers, Seonaidh Charity and Alistair Paul.
Poet, columnist and performer Len Pennie; current Scots Scriever Shane Strachan; poet and spoken word performer Mae Diansangu and author and food writer Sumayya Usmani and have also been commissioned to write pieces for the programme.
Research has found that flexing your creative muscles can support mental health and wellbeing, increase happiness and even delay or reduce symptoms of dementia. The charity wants as many people across Scotland to take part and enjoy the benefits of writing a story for fun. The opportunity is open to everyone in Scotland, whether they write regularly or have not penned anything since school. Stories can be about little everyday happenings to new challenges or once in a lifetime adventure.
Submissions of up to 1,000 words can be made in English, Scots or Gaelic in any form, such as a written story, poem, comic strip, play or letter. Audio and video formats are also welcomed.
A selection of stories will be chosen to be published in a free book, distributed across Scotland through libraries and community groups during Book Week Scotland (November 13–19), Scotland’s national celebration of books and reading. All entries will also appear on the Scottish Book Trust website.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Scotland’s Stories is one of the highlights of Scottish Book Trust’s work, giving a platform to people all over Scotland. This opportunity is open to anyone, whether you see yourself as a writer or not.
“It’s a privilege to collect and share these stories. We’d love to see as many people as possible pick up a pen and enjoy the positive benefits of writing for pleasure and share a story of adventure and what that means to them.”
Alison Lang, director of the Gaelic Books Council, said: “We hope that this year’s subject, ‘adventure’, will inspire people to put pen to paper. Seonaidh Charity, Alistair Paul and other established authors have already written pieces on this theme, and we want to hear the voices of the public, too, as part of this fascinating initiative. So get writing… and let the spirit of adventure lead you.”
Stories should be submitted by Friday June 2, via scottishbooktrust.com/about-scotlands-stories or by post to: Scotland’s Stories, Scottish Book Trust, Sandeman House, Trunk’s Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR.