Annual Competition, 2026 Results

Farpais Bhliadhnail 2026

Annual Competition Results 2026

We were delighted to receive a good number and wide variety of high quality submissions to our 2026 competition, which of course made the judges' task harder, so we thank them for casting their expert eyes over every entry . 

Congratulations to all those who won or were commended (see below), but particular plaudits to Emike Akagbosu for winning the Brian Whittingham Memorial Prize, with what I love about plants in the pen poetry section.

All those selected by the judges will be invited to attend our AGM / Awards event, on June 20th .

Open: Short Story

Judged by Catherine Ogston,
Federation Scriever 

It was an honour to read so many wonderful stories. There was a huge variety and making a final selection was very difficult. After a process of deliberation these are the three I have selected. They are all very different but each has something compelling about them.

Winner - Pineepple Delicht

A tale from the time when pineapples were a prized commodity. This was both humorous and engaging. The use of Scots was effectively done and a real treat, while also amplifying the plight of our protagonist and his dilemma.

Highly Commended - For Auld Lang’s Syne

A story with a simple setting but the writer skilfully hints that all is not what it seems. A confidently written tale that kept me gripped and holding my breath to see how it played out. Endings are tricky but this one lands perfectly.

Commended – Tales From the Canal

An episodic story that follows a group of friends and their relationship with their local canal. It’s such an unusual premise, but the writer makes it work and there is so much detail layered in that it deserves to be read, and then reread.

Open: Poetry

Judged by Jo Gilbert,

Federation Makar

Winner - What I Love About Plants

This one went straight onto the longlist on first read and I made that 'ooft' noise poets often do on that last line. This poem made me want to read it again instantly. I loved the themes of growth and youth and nurturing and the image of plants being needy, thirsty bairns. That last few lines... *Chef's kiss* yes, all the yesses. I find something new on each read and I'll definitely read it again.

Highly Commended  - My Lithopaedion 

Another ooft poem, straight on to the longlist. The more I read it, the more I couldn't stop thinking about it and all the layers in this poem. Short, bittersweet but packs a hefty set of punches in those last three lines. I also liked the use of space in this poem, I felt like it gave the reader space to really consider each line and also leave space for what isn't said. Such a powerful piece that is both beautiful and devastating at the same time.

Commended - What the fishermen said

I instantly liked this poem too. Another ooft moment on the first read. I loved the layout on this, like the ebb and flow of waves and the pace gave a roll and sway effect I really liked too, like the poem is reeling us out and back in again just like the sea does. I love the idea of the sea being accused of being an oversharing bletherer, with too much to say. Another small but mighty poem.

Scots

Judged by Lesley Benzie

Winner - Jacob Epstein’s Sculptur, The Visitation, in a Wuid near Dumfries

Personifies Jacob Epstein’s Sculpture in a Dumfriesshire wood to reflect on violence against women and how patriarchal structures e.g. religion play their part in justifying/maintaining the status quo.

Lovely central extended image/metaphor of the forest foliage being worked into a cloak to protect the ‘wild lassie’.

Both the images and use of Scots language create a real sense of the pathos and loss that she is hidden in ‘sheddae’ and not free to be herself.

Highly Commended - Lang-leggit Plato  

Really good use of Scots in terms of its ability to highlight lyricism and musicality.

There is significant playfulness and humour that works really well in the poem.

Yet it also reflects the ‘struggle to be’ fully who you are and be accepted in the world.

Really good use of imagery/metaphor when contrasting how much better life would be as a heron.

 Commended  - Graivity

The poem utilises Scots inherent lyricism/musicality well to maximises humour, and Scots humour in particular.

There is strong use of images which build on each other in each stanza to heighten the humour.

The build-up process of the poem – really enhances and creates a strong ending to the poem.

Open: Flash Fiction

Judged by Carol McKay

There were thirty-eight entries to this year's Flash Fiction Competition. Standards were high! Each one was engaging and held my interest. I read all with curiosity and enjoyment. All were submitted to me anonymously. Some were short - at 120 words. Some were a few words below the 500 upper limit. Some stood out immediately for their vitality - their originality and freshness. I set aside twelve to read again before choosing the six on my shortlist. Each of these six stories has a strong sense of place, and a strong sense of a person in that place. Each has a believable narrative arc - a storyline that's well developed with a satisfying resolution. This was particularly true for the three finalists.

In the end, I chose to Commend 'Tarmac' for its edgy, dystopian atmosphere, its fear-factor and plot.

I chose 'The Promise' as Highly Commended for its gentle narrative flow, its physical, sensory description of this ageing person revisiting a place which was so crucial to them in their youth, and for the way the author signals an item of importance and then returns to it, bringing out its full relevance at the end.

The clear winner - the stand-out winner in my view - is 'The Card', a poignant piece which makes full use of the word count without cramming, developing its storyline with depth and richness in its characterisation, narrative arc and thought-provoking back-story. A story of profound emotion, including hope, 'The Card' depicts enduring familial love with great craft, heart, and originality.  

Gaidhlig
(Scottish Gaelic)

Judged by Ceitidh Campbell

Winner - Sgeirean Neo-ghluasadach Trom-inntinn

’S e sgeulachd làidir, ùr-ghnàthach a tha seo le tionndadh cumhachdach aig a’ cheann thall. Tha an teannachadh air a thogail gu sgileil tron aithris agus tro shealladh an dithis. Tha cànan beairteach, ìomhaigheach ga chleachdadh gu mionaideach agus gu cunbhalach. Tha an structar soilleir, le gluasad bho shìth gu èiginn gu call. Tha an cuspair mu chuimhne, nàdar agus call daonna air a làimhseachadh gu domhainn. Fàgaidh e buaidh làidir, mhaireannach air an leughadair.

This is a powerful, original story with a striking twist at the end. Tension is skilfully developed through the narrative and dual perspective. Rich, evocative language is used with precision and control. The structure is clear, moving from calm to crisis to loss. Themes of memory, nature, and human tragedy are explored deeply. It leaves a lasting and memorable impact on the reader.

Highly Commended - Danns an Dabke

’S e dàn beòthail, lùthmhor a tha seo le ruitheam làidir agus guth misneachail. Tha an ìomhaigheachd corporra den dannsa air a chur an aghaidh uamhas na còmhstri. Tha cuspairean co-aimsireil air an làimhseachadh gu cumhachdach agus gu dàna. Tha an gluasad bho aoibhneas gu bròn gu math èifeachdach. Tha an cànan ùr-nòsach agus tarraingeach do luchd-leughaidh an latha an-diugh. Tha an dàn a’ seasamh a-mach air sgàth a bhuaidh faireachail agus phoilitigeach.

This is a vivid, energetic poem with strong rhythm and a confident voice. The physical imagery of dance is powerfully contrasted with conflict and violence. Contemporary themes are handled boldly and effectively. The shift from joy to devastation is particularly striking. The language feels modern and engaging for today’s readers. The poem stands out for its emotional and political impact.

Commended - Cho fada ’s a tha mi air siubhal

’S e dàn meòrachail, inntleachdail a tha seo mu dhearbh-aithne agus dualchas. Tha an structar ath-aithriseach a’ toirt co-leanailteachd agus ruitheam don dàn. Tha iomraidhean cultarach air an cleachdadh gu ciallach agus gu h-èifeachdach. Tha guth pearsanta an neach-labhairt làidir agus dearbhte. Tha an cuspair mu chuimhne agus imrich air a leasachadh gu domhainn. Bidh e a’ brosnachadh smaoineachaidh anns an leughadair.

This is a reflective, intellectual poem exploring identity and heritage. The repeated structure provides cohesion and rhythm. Cultural references are used thoughtfully and effectively. The speaker’s personal voice is strong and authentic. Themes of memory and migration are developed with depth. It encourages reflection and thoughtful engagement in the reader.