Applications sought for first ever Shaetlan Scriever

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.

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.”

The successful Shaetlan Scriever will produce original written work in Shetland in any genre or discipline, and contribute to raising the profile, understanding and appreciation of of the islands, as well as Scots language in general. They will also promote Shetland to local communities and further afield through their creative practice.

Funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the postholder will receive a monthly fee of £1,250 for the fixed-term residency of 12 months.