Ulster Scots Writing Competition Now Open

26 February 2015

The Ulster-Scots Education Project is funded by DCAL’s Ministerial Advisory Group for the Ulster-Scots Academy. The project is currently developing a series of learning resources for Ulster-Scots literature, language, history and culture for schools and the public.

Entrants are asked to take inspiration from the theme of 'New Beginnings'. Entries, which should have a maximum of 1,000 words for prose/drama and 30 lines for poetry, can be submitted in English or Ulster Scots.

Competition Rules for the 2015 Competition:

The competition is open to writers of all ages, with categories for under 16 and 16 and over.

The Ulster-Scots Education Project is funded by DCAL’s Ministerial Advisory Group for the Ulster-Scots Academy. The project is currently developing a series of learning resources for Ulster-Scots literature, language, history and culture for schools and the public.

All winners will have their work published, displayed on the Ulster-Scots Education Project’s website, and will be invited to read their work at a launch event later in the year.

The closing date for entries is 15 April 2015. Winners will be notified by June 2015.

1.       There are two categories: under 16 and 16 and over. Entries under 16 must have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. Work must not have been published before and winners must permit the project team to publish their work online and in hard copy.

2.       The judging panel will consist of members of the Ulster-Scots Education Project team, including the internationally recognised poet, Dr. Kathleen McCracken. Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

·         Originality

·         Literary Technique

·         Emotional Engagement

·         Use of Language

·         Engagement with Ulster Scots Culture

3.       Prizes for each category are as follows:

·         First Prize Kindle Fire Tablet

·         Second Prize £50 Book Token

·         Third Prize £25 Book Token

4.       Work can be produced in English or Ulster Scots. For reference, a glossary of examples of Ulster-Scots words can be found here: http://www.dcalni.gov.uk/ulster-scots-glossary.pdf

5.       To enter please complete the entry form available from: https://newbeginningswritingcompetitionusep.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/hello-world/

and post your entry to:

Ulster Scots Poetry Competition

c/o Room B004

School of English and History

University of Ulster

Coleraine campus

Cromore Road

Coleraine

BT52 1SA