Scots Scriever sought from Shetland

The National Library of Scotland is seeking applications for the prestigious Scots Scriever residency, this time from Shetland. 

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 Shetland to be the first ever Shaetlan Scriever. 

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, Galloway, and Dundonian Scots and now we're looking for a Scriever from Shetland. I'm excited to see who will be successful in this opportunity.” 

Alice Tarbuck, Literature Officer from Creative Scotland, said:  

“By giving writers in Shetland the chance to develop new work rooted in their own region, the Scots Scriever residency celebrates the richness and diversity of Scots and the communities who speak it. Drawing on the strength of Shetland’s writing culture and the National Library’s collections, the first Shaetlan Scriever will contribute to a vibrant and growing community of Scots Scrievers and help shine a light on the breadth of contemporary Scots today.”

Taylor Dyson has just completed her one-year residency as Dundonian Scots Scriever. Dyson said: 

“I still canna believe I got the chaince tae be Scots Scriever! It wis a total joy and the hale team at NLS are wonderful! I am sae grateful for this incredible opportunity tae scrieve & perform across the country, gainin confidence and sae much experience. I wid highly recommend applyin- it has been the best year.” 

The successful Shaetlan Scriever will produce original written work in Shaetlan in any genre or discipline, and contribute to raising the profile, understanding and appreciation of Shaetlan, as well as Scots language in general. They will also promote Shaetlan to Shaetlan communities 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 Shaetlan. 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 midday on Friday 12 June. It’s expected an appointment will be made in early July. Full details are on the National Library’s website.  

The National Library has been celebrating its centenary in Shetland with the final instalment of its OUTWITH programme, including a special exhibition in Shetland Museum and Archives exploring the years that poet Hugh MacDiarmid (pen name of Christopher Murray Grieve) and his wife Valda Grieve spent in Whalsay.  

National Library staff will be visiting schools and community groups around Shetland this week as part of OUTWITH: National Library around Shetland. They will also be presenting a special edition of National Library Live on Thursday 14 May at Shetland Library, which will include drop-in games and activities for all ages, free talks about the national collections and the chance to ask staff about engaging with the Library from afar. To find out more please visit the Shetland Libraries website.