A writing competition, marking the life of one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers of prose and poetry, has been launched by Aberdeen University.
The Nan Shepherd Prize has been organised by the WORD Centre for Creative Writing in the hope that her legacy will inspire young writers on their literary journey.
The theme of the competition is ‘Life and Landscape’ and it is open to 16 to 18-year-olds in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
Born in Peterculter, Nan Shepherd was one of the first women to graduate from Aberdeen University in 1915, and her experience there inspired her to devote the rest of her life to education and literature.
Her first novel, The Quarry Wood, was published in 1928, with two more following in the 1930s.
And the success of her book The Living Mountain – a work of poetic prose exploring her close relationship with the hills – led to her image appearing on the Scottish five-pound note.
Dr Helen Lynch, senior lecturer in early modern literature and creative writing said: “She was a celebrated writer, an editor, lecturer, traveller and tireless enthusiast who loved literature and landscape.
“Most importantly though, she encouraged and supported young writers in their work and inspired generations of teachers with her passion, particularly for North-east writing.”
The closing date for submissions is March 1, 2020. More details can be found at nanshepherdprize.com
