Vernal Equinox Competition (Entries accepted until Midnight 12th April 2026) Competition Rules Before submitting please check that each entry is only in one of English, Scots or Scottish Gaelic. 1. POETRY: (there are separate categories for English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic): Please check that: a. Your poem is no longer than 40 lines - EXCLUDING TITLE (longer poems will be automatically disqualified) b. You have indicated the number of lines on each entry c. Your poem has no identifying details on it (automatic disqualification) d. You have paid the correct fee for the number of poems submitted in each category (no limit otherwise) 2. FLASH FICTION: In the flash fiction category you may submit an unlimited number of pieces not exceeding 500 words in length. Please indicate the word count at the end of the story. 3. SHORT STORY: In the short story category you may submit an unlimited number of stories not exceeding 2000 words in length. Any story submitted in this category which is less than 500 words in length will automatically be transferred to the Flash Fiction category for judging. The fee will not be affected since the fees are the same for both categories. Please indicate the word count at the end of the story. 4. FEES: (must be paid prior to submission and paid for each category): £4 per entry in any category or £10 for three entries in any one category. £4 for each subsequent entry (after the first three) in any one category. By PayPal (preferred): Send the appropriate fee, see above. By Bank Transfer: All entrants: Send the appropriate fee to: Federation of Writers (Scotland) Bank of Scotland: Sort code 80-22-60 Account No.24436766 Payment ref: [your name] 'Comp26'. By Cheque: Send a cheque or postal order (pounds sterling only) made out to The Federation of Writers (Scotland) by post to Anne Clarke, 0/1 25 Craigmillar Rd, Glasgow G42 9JZ Once any entry has been submitted and the fee paid, please do not contact the competition secretary unless the piece you submitted has been accepted for publication elsewhere, or placed in another competition prior to 01/06/2026 which would automatically disqualify it. This is the week before we finalise judging and announce the results, so you have time to inform us beforehand. It is better not to submit work currently under consideration elsewhere. If you have any query about fees, please don't hesitate to email Mo MacQuarrie at fwscompetition@gmail.com. 5. PRIZES: Winner - £100, Runner-up - £25, Commended - £10 6. SUBMISSION PROCESS: a. Email Submission Process (Preferred): Submissions must be emailed as a Word document to fwscompetition@gmail.com to arrive by midnight on 12/04/26. Subject heading of email as follows: COMPETITION - [Category entered e.g. English, Scots or Scottish Gaelic – a combination will be disqualified] – [Your first name and surname] – [Paypal reference] or [bank ref number] or [cheque number] – [Contact telephone number]. You must state that you consent for us to process your personal data for the purposes of the competition in the email. Email entries will be acknowledged on receipt. No alterations are permitted. b. Postal Submission Process: Send two copies with a separate cover sheet entitled COMPETITION with your first name and surname, the category your poem is entered, your cheque reference for that category, your contact telephone number (separate entries must be made for each category and require a separate cover sheet) and your specific written consent to process your personal data for the purposes of the competition to Anne Clarke, 0/1 25 Craigmillar Rd, Glasgow G42 9JZ. Postal entrants should supply their email address or enclose a stamped addressed postcard if they wish their entry to be acknowledged. Proof of posting does not mean proof of delivery.