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New competition launched in Moray to find master of Doric poetry

Sheena Blackhall will be appearing
Sheena Blackhall will be appearing

A new competition has been launched to challenge people on their knowledge of Doric.

Adults and secondary school pupils are being encouraged to write in their native Doric tongue for a poetry competition to be run at a Moray traditional music festival.

The Keith Traditional Music and Song Festival is held every year in June, with two other poetry competitions aimed at primary kids and families already in existence there.

However, this year will see the creation of the Aultgowrie trophy, given to the best writer of Doric verses aged 12 and above.

Sheena Blackhall.

Organiser Joyce Dawson said: “We already have competitions for kids and families and I have had people approach me and ask why they can’t compete so it is about time we brought this new one in.

“It’s open to anyone who wants to write one or a couple of Doric verses and since this is the first time I’m excited to see what comes up.

“It is one way to help keep our traditional north-east words, phrases and culture alive, and to have some fun because the verses and poems can often be in a light-hearted vein.

“We want to reach out to teenagers and certainly adults, because there is a great interest in poetry writing in adults.”

The festival has held the Ian Middleton poetry contest for the last 18 years which is aimed at primary school pupils and named after one of the most renowned writers of hilarious Doric verse.

Now, Ms Dawson wants to invite mare loons and quines to use their een and writ up some poetry that can ging straight to competition.

She said: “Ian did so much to encourage the use of the local Scots language, and this competition is a tribute to him.”

Entries listed for the Middleton Trophy or the Aultgowrie Trophy, should be sent by May 19 to Joyce Dawson, 124 Moss Street, Keith, AB55 5EZ.

Sheena Blackhall, well-known advocate of the doric language, will be a special guest judge and decide the winners at the festival.