Saltire Society Announces Shortlists for the 2022 National Book Awards in Scotland
The Saltire Society has announced the shortlists for the 2022 Scotland’s National Book Awards.
Article Source: The Saltire Society
Last Updated: 15 November 2022 9:39
The Saltire Society today announced the shortlisted titles for the 2022 Scotland’s National Book Awards which this year include books in Gaelic and Scots vernacular, on embroidery, OCD and the lost British summer and stories that take readers from Scotland to Tahiti, the Caribbean and 1930s Berlin. The winners of all six prizes, as well as the Saltire Scottish Book of the Year, The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Ross Roy Medal and three industry awards, will be announced at a ceremony at The Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh on Thursday 8 December.
Scotland’s National Book Awards, co-ordinated by the Saltire Society, recognise work across six literary categories (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Research, History, Poetry and First Book) and three publishing categories (Publisher, Emerging Publisher and Cover Design). The Literary Awards see the winners each receive a cash prize of £2,000 and go on to be considered for the top prize of Saltire Scottish Book of the Year, receiving a further £4,000.
Sarah Mason, Director of the Saltire Society, said: “Scotland’s National Book Awards celebrate the extraordinary richness in the work of our authors, publishers and designers. The Awards reflect the strength of the literary scene in Scotland today and the 2022 shortlists showcase a wonderful variety and depth of storytelling. Congratulations to all our shortlisted authors.”
Authors nominated for the 2022 First Book shortlist take readers from a queer 1930’s nightclub to the imagined life of Gaugin’s child bride in Tahiti, from reintroducing wild red kites on a Stirlingshire farm to a condemned high rise flat in Glasgow and a historical mystery in Constantinople and include a debut collection of poetry and a graphic novel as well as fiction and non-fiction titles.
Devika Ponnambalam (I Am Not Your Eve) said: "I am thrilled to be shortlisted for Scotland's National Book Awards for my first book! Teha'amana's story is unique and was, until now, untold. This is the song of the silenced, of the abused, and the colonised. This award nomination will take her story and that of her culture’s to many more readers in the western world.”
Authors Alice Albinia, Mara Menzies, Rachelle Atalla and debut novelist Emme Grae are joined on the Fiction Shortlist by Booker Winner Douglas Stuart and a previous winner of Saltire Book of the Year, James Robertson. Poetry books nominated this year include collections from Hannah Lavery, Claire Askew, Andrés N Ordorica, Maria Sledmere and Gaelic writer Marcas Mac an Tuairneir.
The Research Shortlist celebrates books on topics as wide ranging as the origin of settlement names on the Isle of Lewis, Scottish national identity in the 19th Century and court poetry in late Medieval Scotland. The Non-Fiction Shortlist includes books from artist Alison Watt, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and journalist Chitra Ramaswamy while the History Shortlist features two books on Scotland’s relationship with the African slave trade by Alex Renton and David Alston and two histories of Scottish Monarchs – Mary Queen of Scots and Mael Coluim III.
Claire Hunter (Embroidering Her Truth) commented: “I am thrilled to be shortlisted for a Saltire Award. It is not only a delight to find my book, and my research, appreciated but also a pleasure to know that my exploration of Mary, Queen of Scots’ material world has been welcomed as a new and revelatory approach into the Scottish queen’s story.”
Alastair McKay said: "I’m chuffed that Alternatives to Valium has been shortlisted for the Saltire Society’s prestigious National Book Awards. Though it is disguised as a punk rock fanzine, the book is an attempt to revisit the idealistic open-mindedness of youth, so it’s a great thrill to think that it may have succeeded on some level."
Alison Stevenson from the National Library of Scotland said: “The National Library is pleased to support Scotland’s National Book Awards. Because of libraries, books are a free way for people to engage with Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, and are no doubt providing great solace and entertainment to people right now. These awards are an important way to celebrate and connect those who write books with those who enjoy them.”
In addition to the National Book Awards, the Saltire Society presents three industry awards; Publisher of the Year and Emerging Publisher of the Year which are presented in partnership with Publishing Scotland and Book Cover of the Year which celebrates the enormous talent in Scottish design and the importance of the relationship between the designer, publisher and author. Shortlists for these awards will be announced on 1st December.
The Ross Roy Medal, commemorating the outstanding contribution to Scottish literature made by Professor G. Ross Roy of South Carolina University, is awarded annually to the best PhD thesis submitted on a subject relating to Scottish literature and judged by the University Committee for Scottish Literature.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is for individuals who have made and are making a lasting impact and are imbedded in the literary culture of Scotland. Nominees must be either born in Scotland, are currently living in Scotland or working in or for Scotland.
The Scottish National Book Awards have been awarded by the Saltire Society since 1937 and in 2022 are supported by The National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Historical Review Trust. All entrants must be born in Scotland, live in Scotland or their books must be about Scotland.
The winners of each category will receive a bespoke Award created by Inverness-based artist Simon Baker of Evergreen Studios. Winners of all the Awards will be announced at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh on the evening of 8 December attended by the judges, shortlisted authors and publishers. The ceremony will be live-streamed and tickets to watch online are available from 15 November at www.saltiresociety.org.uk
Image: Devika Ponnambalam
Image Credit: Graham Clark
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
The Entertainer opens brand new store in Edinburgh
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.
READ MORE
Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows
Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.
READ MORE
Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost
Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign and nominations are now open.
READ MORE
Volunteer Centre East Lothian reopens just in time for the season of goodwill
The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) have thrown open their doors after an extensive renovation and are welcoming back local residents, volunteers and community groups.
READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School pupils reap the benefits of outdoor learning with a newly extended playground
Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey
Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay reveals International Partnership & Artist Exchange Programme with Basque Country
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill.
READ MORE
The Main Course: Serving Up a Slice of Italy in the Heart of Gullane this Christmas
Planning a Christmas lunch with colleagues, a family gathering or a relaxed night out with friends? The Main Course offers comfort, warmth and a menu that brings people back year after year.
READ MORE
Hamish Hawk commission comes to life with Edinburgh International Book Festival first ever record release
Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces that Life in a Scotch Sitting-room, Vol. 0, a limited-edition LP by Scottish indie songwriter Hamish Hawk, will be released on 5th December.
READ MORE
SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh unveils New Years Eve event and festive offering
This festive season, SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh is elevating its celebrations with two unforgettable experiences that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.
READ MORE
Vault City launches festive, Quaffable Treats, beer box inspired by Christmas chocolate tins
An Edinburgh brewery has created the 'perfect gift' for beer lovers this Christmas, inspired by the chocolates people hunt for first in the tin.
READ MORE
Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline free weekend of celebrations with Christmas ceilidh and market
The Ross Bandstand sparked festivities on Sunday with its opening Light Night Concert, and now has a jam-packed Scottish weekend in store of free events in honour of St Andrew's Day.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Leading the charge! Edinburgh car retailer hosts electric vehicle experience
John Clark Volvo Edinburgh is celebrating after its first EV Customer Experience Evening was a success with local drivers.
READ MORE
Six of the Best: Iconic concerts that rocked Murrayfield as the famous stadium turns 100
Scottish Gas Murrayfield has hosted some of the biggest shows Scotland has ever seen – and fans have had their say on the standouts.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style
Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public!
READ MORE
Heather On The Hill Festival Announced
Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.
READ MORE
The Vittoria Group Launches Black Friday Offer
With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.
READ MORE
Free sweets at brand new Edinburgh store opening this weekend
Sweet lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free treat on Saturday 22nd November, as Ambala opens its brand-new store on Gorgie Road.
READ MORE
United Airlines Celebrates Girls in Aviation Day at Edinburgh Airport
United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.
READ MORE
Christmas arrives at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
READ MORE
Celebrate the Festive Season with Caorunn Gin at the St James Quarter
Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.
READ MORE
BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas
Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice
Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.
READ MORE
Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh
As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.
READ MORE
Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre
The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links