NOMINATIONS for the 2023 Scots Language Awards open today, giving the public a chance to commend their favourite Scots language legends.
The awards ceremony will take place at Johnstone Town Hall on Saturday 16 September, showcasing the very best of Scots language and culture.
The awards, which were first started in 2019, celebrate the importance of Scots language within arts and culture but also within daily life, education, and business.
Nominations will close on Sunday 30 July, giving people almost two weeks to share their recommendations for the awards.
There are 12 categories across a host of areas and industries open for nominations, as well as the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award, which will be presented by Alistair Heather.
There will also be a host of incredible entertainment on the night, including a recital from Renfrewshire’s poet laureate poet Shaun Moore, who was appointed as the region’s Tannahill Makar last year.
Talks from Scottish writers Cat Cochrane and Shane Strachan will also take place at the event.
Finally, musical performances from celebrated brother duo Euan and Lewis McLaughlin, and talented folk singer Iona Fyfe will conclude the evening.
Awards will be presented for Scots media person of the year; Young Scots Writer of the Year; Scots Business of the Year and Scots Speaker of the Year, amongst many others.
The past eight months have witnessed significant milestones for Scots, such as the Scottish Languages Bill, which initiated the official legal recognition of Scots in November last year.
Additionally, it was widely reported that the late Queen was proficient in speaking the Doric dialect of Scots, further emphasising the language’s significance.
Never before has it been more crucial to acknowledge and commemorate the language’s role in our daily lives.
Scottish Languages Bill brought about commendable efforts from individuals and organisations dedicated to promoting Scots as one of Scotland’s recognised three languages.
Scots Language has long been used by authors and spoken in top films, and is experiencing a contemporary year on year resurgence via social media.
TikTok has been used to share Scots with large audiences, helping communities connect and realise their heritage, led by the public, influencers, and media alike.
The Scots Language Awards hopes that the language’s validity will be further enhanced.
Scotland’s traditional culture, music and arts organisation ‘Hands Up For Trad’ organise the annual event.
Organiser Simon Thoumire said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time in our annual calendar as nominations open for the Scots Language Awards 2023.
“It’s fantastic to learn about and champion people who are championing the Scots language that we might not otherwise know about, and to hear such inspirational stories from the public.
“It is wonderful to see such a growth in the use of Scots language, and a privilege to witness the efforts of those continuing to promote it through art, literature, business, teaching and more.
“If you know someone who embodies the essence of the Scots language, or shows unwavering dedication and passion in promoting it to others, we want to hear all about them! Make sure to nominate them for an award and share their story.”
Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Scots Language Awards 2023 and Johnstone Town Hall will be a fantastic venue for this wonderful event.
“I’m looking forward to hearing from our own Tannahill Makar, Shaun Moore, and joining our guests to celebrate the very best of Scots language and its impact in our arts and culture.
“I hope everyone takes the chance to make a nomination and highlight some of the great achievements this year.”
