News / Lauraine wins dialect prize
THIS YEAR’s Rhoda Bulter Award has been won by Highlands-based Lauraine Peterson.
The annual prize, which celebrates writing penned in the Shetland dialect, was given for her short story Boannie Blue.
Peterson, who now lives in Spinningdale, said she was “gobsmacked” to learn of the news.
The award is presented by Shetland ForWirds in the memory of significant dialect writer Rhoda Bulter.
The title Boannie Blue was given as this year’s theme, paying tribute to the poem of the same name by Bulter.
The writer’s son John Bulter, who helped to judge the competition alongside his siblings, praised the quality of submissions.
“We are delighted with the response to this year’s competition and commend the authors for their creativity and storytelling,” he said.
“The quality of the entries made judging a real joy. The styles and topics of “boannie blue” were so varied: fairy stories and love stories; whales, boats, survival, death, faith and new life. We were taken on terrific journeys.”
To mark her achievement, Peterson will receive a serpentine and silver trophy made by Rosalyn Thompson. Her short story will also be published in the Yule New Shetlander.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.