News / Talented young authors show they have the write stuff in competition
FIVE budding young authors are celebrating after inking their name on the honours list of Shetland Library’s Young Shetland Writer competition.
More than 200 entries from all over the isles were submitted on the theme of A Better World, with local literature enthusiasts James Sinclair, Jim Mainland and Mary Blance judging the works.
Megan Manson, from Cunningsburgh, was the winner of the 7-9 age category, while Lerwick’s Isobel Pagulayan and Cora Grant shared the 10-12 prize.
Ava Paton, from Voe, scooped top spot in the 13-18 group, with Maisy Nicolson from Brae High School the winner of the dialect award.
Paton won the award for a second consecutive year, with Grant now a three-time winner in the competition.
Each winner received a £50 prize from the Education Institute of Scotland, with the dialect winners gifted £50 by local dialect group Shetland ForWirds.
Young people’s librarian Chloe Tallack paid tribute to the standard of the entries.
“This year’s theme, chosen by a group of young people, inspired a challenge that led to some truly powerful, amusing, and thought-provoking pieces of writing, making the judges’ decision especially tough,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the young folk receive their prizes, and hear the stories read aloud at the awards evening.
“The competition’s ongoing success is a testament to the support of our dedicated school library staff, educators, and family members.”
The winning entries will be published on the Shetland Library website and read out on BBC Radio Shetland’s book programme later in the year.
A prizegiving ceremony will be held at the Shetland Library on Friday 27 September, with all welcome.
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