Two nominees from the Highlands have picked up prizes at Scotland’s most prestigious literary awards.
Inverness-born Ali Smith took the 2014 Saltire Society Literary Book of the Year Award for her novel, How to be Both.
Her book, which was also nominated for the Man Booker Prize, comprises two narrative which are linked despite being set centuries apart. It was described by the judging panel as “an exhilarating read.”
The literary award shortlist also included well-known broadcasters Sally Magnusson and Kirsty Wark as well as new writing talents such as Niall Campbell and Kirsty Logan. A Gaelic language novel by Martin MacIntyre was also shortlisted.
Dingwall-based small enterprise Sandstone Press was also crowned Publisher of the Year at the awards.
Supported by Creative Scotland, the Publisher of the Year award was added to the Saltire Literary Awards roster in 2013 and is accompanied by a cash prize of £4,000 to assist further development of the winning company’s business.
Bob Davidson, Sandstone Press managing director, said: “Thank you to Creative Scotland or supporting us, thank you to Publishing Scotland for guiding us, and thank you to the Saltire Society for these wonderful awards. Thank you above all, to the people who buy out books, because they are our world.”
Ms Smith, who also won a £2,000 prize, said: “I am over the moon. Especially after such a shortlist, I can’t believe my luck.”