What a night! 🌟 This evening we gathered at Stormont to celebrate new Ulster-Scots writing — from children and adults alike, stretching from Guam in the West Pacific to Galway and across every corner of Northern Ireland.

Guests were treated to a fascinating talk on Huddleston’s life and times by Sandra Gilpin, a true Huddleston enthusiast.

William Olphert (Ulster-Scots Agen#cy) spoke with real passion about the importance of celebrating Ulster-Scots in our schools and encouraging everyone folk of all ages to embrace the 'hamely tongue'.

Poet and playwright, Anne McMaster, representing the judging panel, shared her delight at the incredible quality of the entries — praising the wide range of styles, subjects, and voices that came through.

Then came the highlight of the evening: the prize-giving by Lee Reynolds, Commissioner Designate for Ulster-Scots and British Culture.

Our adult winners were:

1st Place ~ Ewen Glass

2nd Place ~ Rhonda Glasgow 

3rd Place ~ David Atkinson

We are deeply thankful to our local businesses for their generous sponsorship, which made possible a prize fund of over £1000.

And finally, a heartfelt thank-you to Michele McIlveen MLA for hosting us at Stormont, and to the Ulster-Scots Agency for its considerable and invaluable support.

To see all the photos from the evening, go to the:  /children/galleries/gallery