Scotland’s richest book awards have secured a new sponsor granting a generous increase for the overall Book of the Year prize to £30,000 and to category prizes of £5,000. Twenty shortlisted titles announced today (Thursday 5 March) are in the running for the awards across the categories of fiction, literary non fiction, poetry and first book.
The renamed Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Book Awards are the next evolution of the Scottish Arts Council Book Awards which were first introduced in the 1970s]. The generous sponsorship by Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust represents a long term sponsorship commitment and celebrates the Trust’s Centenary year in 2009.
Commenting on the new sponsorship agreement Sir Donald Mackay Chairman of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust said:
“We are delighted to be involved. Supporting these prestigious book awards is a very suitable way for Scottish Mortgage to celebrate its centenary. By showcasing Scotland’s finest literary talent Scottish Mortgage hopes to shed light on its own intellectual and insightful approach to investment over the past 100 years”
Scottish Arts Council Chairman Richard Holloway added:
“We are delighted that Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust has agreed to support the awards. This new sponsorship will allow us to continue to celebrate the best writing Scotland has to offer. The strong shortlist announced today is a testament to the vibrancy and strength of Scottish writing.”
Minister for Culture Michael Russell said:
“Scotland is a literary and literate nation which has always produced great writing and great writers. These awards provide a fitting recognition to celebrate the best of Scottish writing. This year’s shortlist demonstrates the wealth of creative talent that exists across all genres and profiles some of the best modern Scottish books which inspire adults and children alike.
“I also welcome this new business sponsorship of the arts which is sure to bring benefits creatively and economically for both organisations.”