The Donald Meek Award 2016

This award, established with financial assistance from Creative Scotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, aims to encourage and support new and established Gaelic writers and new Gaelic writing.

Rosemary Ward, Director of the Gaelic Books Council said:

“The Gaelic Books Council is hugely encouraged at the interest shown by Gaelic writers in this important annual literary competition.

“We are delighted that the financial support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland has enabled us to increase the number of prizes on offer and to recognise excellence in Gaelic writing.

“I hope it encourages more Gaelic writers to participate in the competition and that we receive a wide range of entries.”

Six entries were shortlisted for the 2015 award and the Donald Meek Award 2015 was bestowed on Alasdair Campbell for his novel, Ro Fhada san t-Suidheachadh Seo. Roddy MacLean’s novella, An Creanaiche, was awarded second prize and Air Chruard, Rody Gorman’s poetry collection was awarded third place.

The judges commended the efforts of the young Gaelic writer, Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul for her children’s story, An Raga.

Submissions of new writing in Scottish Gaelic of the following genre, which is complete or nearing completion by the closing date below are sought:

Creative writing in Gaelic - poetry, stories, novel or drama - of book length, or approaching book length

Other Gaelic prose - of book length or approaching book length

Research works written in English but which are related to a Gaelic subject matter

Submissions that are already in print or that will be published before the competition closing date will not be accepted.

Submissions should be sent via email: here on or before 17.00 on Friday 29th April.

The shortlist will be announced early in September and the award will be presented at an evening reception in Glasgow in October.