The winners of Shetland Library’s ‘Young Shetland Writer 2024’ have been announced today.
With the theme of A Better World, this year’s competition attracted 208 entries from all areas of Shetland.
The winners’ have been selected by local authors and literature enthusiasts James Sinclair, Jim Mainland, and Mary Blance.
The winner for the 7 to 9 year old category was Megan Manson who entered individually from Cunningsburgh.
The winners in the 10 to 12 age category were Isobel Pagulayan from Lerwick and Cora Grant, also from Lerwick.
Cora is a three-time winner in the competition.
In the 13 to 18 year old category, the winner was Ava Paton from Voe for the second year running and the dialect winner was Maisy Nicolson, entering from Brae High School.
There will be a prize-giving event at Shetland Library on Friday 27th September at 6.30pm – all are welcome.
The Educational Institute of Scotland kindly provided £50 prize money for category winners, and local dialect development group Shetland ForWirds gifted £50 for each of the dialect winners.
Chloe Tallack, Young People’s Librarian said:
“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.
“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 the BBC Radio Shetland Book Programme later in the year.
