Dundee and Angus Scots Scriever sought for prestigious residency

The National Library of Scotland is seeking applications for the prestigious Scots Scriever residency.

A partnership with Creative Scotland, the year-long residency aims to support the creation of original writing in Scots, as well as the promotion of the language with communities throughout Scotland. This year, the Library is specifically seeking applicants working in Dundee and Angus.

National Librarian Amina Shah said:

“Our Scots Scriever initiative truly has gone from strength to strength since we took a regional approach throughout Scotland. We've covered Orcadian, Doric and Galloway Scots and now we're looking for a Scriever from the Dundee and Angus area. I'm excited to see who will be successful in this opportunity. They will contribute greatly to Scots work in my home town, Dundee, which I'm very excited for.”

Susi Briggs has just completed her one-year residency as Scots Scriever. Briggs said that the role allowed her to expand her work in Scots, particularly working with her local community in Dumfries.

Susi said: “A dream o mine cam true when I wis awarded the role o Scots Scriever. It’s an affirmation that permited me tae continue the work that I love wi aw my hert. Being the Scots Scriever has been a delichtfu fever dream o magical moments.”

Shane Strachan completed his one-year residency as Scots Scriever in 2023. Strachan said he relished searching through the Library’s archives, particularly those in North East Scots (Doric), of which he is a native speaker and published author.

Shane said: "Being Scots Scriever gied ma the space, time and resources tae scrieve new wirks in Scots, and the confidence and platform tae write in braider Scots. It’s also been an affa rare opportunity tae share my dialect o North East Scots (Doric) tae a much wider audience ootside my hame region, performin tae audiences across Scotland in Edinburgh, Perth, Johnstone and Wigtown, as weel as a conference in Paris! Get applyin!”

The successful Dundee and Angus Scriever will produce original written work in Scots in any genre or discipline, and contribute to raising the profile, understanding and appreciation of the Scots language in general. They will also promote the Scots language to local communities in Dundee and Angus and further afield through their creative practice, and via other channels such as events and social media.

The primary aim of the 12-month residency is the creation of exciting original work in Scots. While some community engagement work will be encouraged, the Scriever will be expected to prioritise and set aside a significant amount of time during the residency for the development of new written work. This includes time for the exploration of the rich and extensive Scots language collections held at the National Library.

Funded by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the postholder will receive a monthly fee of £1250 for the fixed-term residency of 12 months.

The application deadline is 5pm, Friday 28 March. It’s expected and appointment will be made in mid-April. Full details are on the National Library’s careers website. Apply now.