Scots Scriever starts exciting new role

Writer and performer Shane Strachan has been awarded the prestigious position of the Scots Scriever residency, hosted by the National Library of Scotland.

This year, the post was designed to promote North East Scots, or Doric as it is known locally. The residency will offer Strachan the opportunity to explore the richness of the National Library’s Scots language collections, as well as give him the space and time to produce original work in Doric.

Strachan is a published writer, with a doctorate in Creative Writing from the University of Aberdeen. He is a highly active creative practitioner in his native Aberdeen, working across disciplines and developing work which explores the stories of the North East of Scotland and beyond. His residency starts next week.

He said:

“I’m fair trickit tae be this year’s Scots Scriever, especially gettin tae promote the Doric o my hame region Aiberdeenshire tae folk that bide ere and aabody else online. Broucht up in the fishin toons o Fraserburgh and Peterheid, I’ve been spikkin Doric aa my life and scrievin in it for sixteen years, sae it’s an honour tae haud this affa rare position wi the National Library of Scotland across the neist year.”

National Librarian Amina Shah said:

“We are delighted with the progress made through the Scriever programme. It really has helped to showcase the diversity and breadth of the Scots language. Last year, Orkney Scriever Alison Miller’s exploration of new genres alongside championing Orcadian writing both locally and further afield celebrated Orkney as a stronghold of contemporary Scots.

“Now, with the appointment of Aberdeenshire Scriever, Shane Strachan, we are excited to welcome a fresh, dynamic voice to celebrate Doric as yet another facet in modern, vibrant and contemporary Scots writing.”

Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland said: 

“The Scriever is a rare opportunity for a writer to be provided time and support to create new writing in Scots. Shane Strachan is an excellent choice, able to create work in a range of literary disciplines, the ability to tap into the literary heritage of the language and produce exciting creative work sure to connect with a broad contemporary audience.”

Frieda Morrison, Chair of the Doric Board and Director of Scots Radio said:

“I'm delighted to welcome Shane Strachan to the post of Doric Scriever. This is a great opportunity to develop new and vibrant projects and highlight the rich culture of the North East.”

The 12-month Scots Scriever residency is funded by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.