Scotland’s mythical legends are famous worldwide. From fire-breathing dragons to shape-shifting water spirits, our legendary beasts have inspired countless tales of drama and mystery. This year, their side of the story will finally be heard!

Scottish Writers’ Centre are thrilled to announce our upcoming competition Nessie’s Diary, which will be launched in February 2017. Nessie’s Diary is a creative writing competition for school-age children and teenagers in Scotland, divided into two age categories: 8-12, and 13-16. This competition has been devised in conjunction with Visit Scotland’s 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, to commemorate and spread awareness of the exciting mythical traditions that Scotland boasts.

We want to hear all about the day-to-day life of Scotland’s most notorious loch dweller. Where does she hide? Who does she see? Does she enjoy frightening tourists or is she simply misunderstood?

Entrants are asked to envisage the unknown world of Nessie – the famous Loch Ness monster who has captured local and international imagination for centuries. Entries can be submitted in the form of a short story, a poem, a diary entry or any other written form that the entrant may choose. Submissions up to 400 words will be accepted for the 8-12 age category, and 600 words for the 13-16 age category. Entrants are encouraged to interpret the theme inventively, and to imagine the feelings, settings and characters that might be included in Nessie’s world.

Entrants can send submiss. Each entry should include the entrant’s name, age and city/town of residence by either email or letter. Email submissions should be sent to info@scottishwriters.org.uk and handwritten entries can be sent to Scottish Writers’ Centre, CCA, 350 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3JD , and the form can be downloaded here: competition-entry-form. 

Our deadline is 20th June 2017, and we wish all entrants the best of luck!

Further competition guidelines, and terms and conditions can be downloaded here: information-pack-for-schools