Soutar Writing Competition

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best. Books have been capturing the imaginations of children for generations, and although the characters and illustrations may change it’s the stories that stay with us the longest.

The prestigious Soutar writing Competition for Children and Young People is back once again, and entries from 9-11 year olds and 12-15 year olds are welcomed up until Thursday 1^st December.

Kids can have an incredible ability to scribble down stories, sometimes without realising how brilliant or funny (whether intentionally or not) they can be.

The competition, organised by Culture Perth and Kinross is now in its fifteenth year. Each year the competition alternates between poetry and short stories and 2016 encourages youngsters to pen creative short stories.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a competition without some rather special prizes; 1st Prize will receive an iPad and 2^nd £50 of book tokens. A special prize draw for schools will also take place.

The winners will be announced at an event to which all shortlisted writers will be invited. The competition judge is Lari Don, a professional author and storyteller who has written extensively for children and young adults. Lari will make the announcement and present the prizes.   All winning and highly commended entries will be published in eBook format and available to borrow from the Culture Perth and Kinross eBook catalogue (I can only image the excitement of a 9 year old being told they’re now a published author!).

Libraries throughout Perthshire (which now come under the banner of their new Trust ‘Culture Perth and Kinross’) are doing all they can to create a diverse and exciting environment. They want to encourage those who already use their library to find out more, and give locals who haven’t yet ventured into their local branch the confidence to do so. Events like this not only help people to discover what’s on offer but can foster a love of reading in children which lasts a lifetime.

Good luck!

Entry forms and competition rules are available online at www.pkc.gov.uk/storychildren2016  or from all libraries in Perth and Kinross. 

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For full details of exhibitions and related events visit www.culturepk.org.uk

To find out more about what local library services in Perth & Kinross offer for children and families read our story here>