Entries are invited to the tenth biennial Neil Gunn writing competition which coincides with Homecoming Scotland 2009 the year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth.
The contest was created to celebrate Gunn's contribution to our literary heritage by encouraging writing about the contemporary world and the place of individuals in it.
Organised by The Highland Council and the Neil Gunn Trust, the competition was launched in 1988 and is one of the most prestigious events in the Scottish literary scene.
The 2009 theme is 'living with one another' a phrase taken from a passage from one of Neil Gunn's books, The Serpent.
There are four categories. The adult sections are open to all writers with prose and poetry categories. Both have a first prize of £500, second of £250 and third of £100.
There are also two junior sections which are open to pupils at Highland schools or schools abroad with a link to the Highlands.
One entrant will be judged the overall winner and awarded a residential week at Moniack Mhor Writers' Centre, which is situated near Inverness. Scottish author James Robertson will be the main competition judge.
Further details and rules of entry are available by downloading the relevant entry form. You need to attach the entry form and send three copies of your story by post to the competition address. The deadline is March 14th 2009 and an award ceremony will take place in Inverness at the Town House in June.
Chairman of the Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie said: "2009 is the year of Homecoming Scotland so it is very appropriate that this prestigious competition, open to all ages, is taking place as it gives us the chance to commemorate the works of one of Scotland's greatest writers, as well as celebrating and promoting young and emerging new talent. I wish everyone who enters great success."
You can find the entry form, more details and winning entries from 2007 on the competition's website at http://www.highland.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/libraries/neilgunn/
Find out more about Neil Gunn at http://www.neilgunn.org.uk/
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