The winners of a nationwide writing competition celebrating Scotland’s wildlife were announced during a special event at the Scottish Parliament last night.
The Words of the Wild competition was organised by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations and encouraged new pieces of nature writing focused on Scotland’s wildlife and wild places.
The competition received over 500 entries, including poetry, prose, songs and letters, in English, Gaelic and Scots. Six finalists were chosen, with the two winners being announced last night by Trust Chair, Kenny Taylor, who was one of the judges. Entries were judged on their originality, creativity and inspirational qualities.
The winner of the Adult category was Hannah Murphy from Aberdeen, with her entry titled, “In the Stillness”. It follows a retired man on a journey to realise his long-held dream of photographing a kingfisher. The two runners up were Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, who submitted a Gaelic song, “Òran an Fhèidh” (“Deersong”), and Anne V McClure, who wrote “A Walk in the Wild”, about her hometown of Cumbernauld.
In the Junior category, the winner was Alexandra Yates, aged 16. Alexandra’s story, “Motherhood” tells of a personal experience with a pine marten she encountered while exploring a Scottish forest. The runners up were Olivia Phillips, aged 10, with her story, “Into the Stillness…” and 15-year-old Eileen Page with her entry, “Wild with Grief”.
Hannah said: “I am so grateful for this opportunity, and winning is truly incredible. Thank you to everyone who enjoyed my story—I hope it transported you to a place filled with a deep love for nature and one another. The inspiration came from my father-in-law, who spends hours birdwatching regularly. And kingfishers, of course. I love those little guys. I hope I captured the beauty of slowing down and appreciating nature as it is, so that even if you miss the spectacle, you still leave feeling grateful for the wonder of this wild world. It’s surreal that my piece won, and I am so thankful for this privilege.”
The winner of the adult category, Hannah Murphy. © Blue Sky Photography
The two winners each received a selection of prizes generously donated by Viking Optical, NHBS and The Mainstreet Trading Company.
The winning entries were also added to the Trust’s 60th anniversary time capsule, which was sealed at the event. Along with the competition entries, the capsule contains a specially curated collection of items that represent the Trust’s past, present and future, including a copy of Scottish Wildlife magazine, letters to the future written by young naturalists, and wood chippings made by beavers in Knapdale, the home of the Trust-led Scottish Beaver Trial. The items were chosen by staff, volunteers and supporters including adventurer and wildlife activist Cal Major, and President of The Wildlife Trusts, broadcaster and naturalist, Liz Bonnin.
Jo Pike and Pete Haskell of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, along with the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP, seal the Trust’s 60th anniversary time capsule. © Blue Sky Photography
Dr Kenny Taylor, Chair of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and competition judge, said: “Huge congratulations to winners. We received a large number of impressive entries, so winning is a significant achievement. We’d also like to congratulate the runners-up, the other shortlisted writers and everyone who took part in the competition. The entries highlight not just the incredible nature of Scotland, but also the powerful connection people share with our wildlife.
“It feels particularly appropriate announcing the winners at an event that is celebrating the past, present and future of the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The quality and quantity of entries has shown us just how much passion there is for nature in Scotland. With this passion, we have the power to drive change and build a better future for wildlife and people over the next 60 years and beyond.”
The winning and runner-up entries of the Words of the Wild competition are now available to read on the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s website. An exhibition of all 24 shortlisted entries will also be available to view at the Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre throughout December, and at Montrose Basin Visitor Centre in January.