New Scots Scriever announced

Susi Briggs has been appointed as the Galloway Scots Scriever, where she will take up a year-long residency with National Library of Scotland.

The post follows successful appointments in previous years with Alison Miller as Orcadian Scriever in 21/22 and Shane Strachan as Doric Scriever in 22/23. This year, the Library specifically sought applicants working in Dumfries & Galloway. A partnership with Creative Scotland, the residency aims to support the creation of original writing in Scots, as well as the promotion of the language with communities throughout Scotland.

Susi Briggs is a poet, author, storyteller, musician and podcaster with a passion for the Scots language. She said:

“I am deeply honoured tae be the new Scots Scriever and tae represent Dumfries and Galloway. I hae dedicated my creative career tae makkin shair oor leid is visible and validated by creatin contemporary Scots warks that inspire Scot literacy and positive public engagement. The role o Scots Scriever will open up new exciting opportunities fer me tae create new Scots language wark in aw the airts I currently wark in and beyond. I canna wait tae explore the archives fer inspiration and wark wi the team at the National Library o Scotland.”

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

“The Scriever is a wonderful opportunity for a writer to both focus on their own work in Scots and to bring greater awareness of the language to the wider public. Susi Briggs is a captivating storyteller, children’s author and musician who will inspire Dumfries and Galloway audiences with her words as she reflects the area’s language and culture through her writing and engaging programme of events.”

Dumfries-based Scots poet Liz Niven was on the selection panel. She said:

“The post of Scots Scriever is a wonderful development tae heize up and promote the Scots language. A Dumfries-based Scriever will raise status and knowledge of Dumfriesshire and Galloway Scots even mair. A’m fair chuffed tae welcome wir new writer tae the post.”

As Dumfries & Galloway Scriever, Susi Briggs will produce original written work in Scots. The residency allows time for the exploration of the rich and extensive Scots language collections held at the National Library.

Briggs will contribute to raising the profile, understanding and appreciation of the Scots language in general. She will also promote the Scots language to local communities in Dumfries & Galloway and further afield through her creative practice, and via other channels such as events and social media.

The 12-month post is funded by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Briggs will begin her residency in January 2024.