NLS offer Harvard summer placement in Greece

An award which recognises poetry publishing skill is offering a new not-to-be-missed prize for a poet this year – a Harvard University Summer School residency in Greece.

The National Library of Scotland’s Callum Macdonald Memorial Award recognises the publisher of an outstanding example of pamphlet poetry, where the pamphlet or its publisher has a connection with Scotland or Scottish culture. The winning publisher receives a £750 prize and holds the Callum Macdonald Quaich for 12 months.

This year, in addition to the prize to the publisher, the poet of the winning pamphlet will be named ‘Michael Marks Poet in Residence’ and spend two weeks at the prestigious university’s summer school in Greece.

Martyn Wade, CEO of the National Library of Scotland, said: “The Callum Macdonald Memorial Award is now in its 11th year and during the last decade it has recognised a wealth of talent from publishers who hail from, or are inspired by, Scotland.

“The National Library is proud to once again host the awards which encourage creativity and I am confident that the possibility of a Harvard residency will galvanise aspiring poets.”

The NLS award is funded by the Michael Marks Charitable Trust and other friends and supporters, in memory of Scottish literary publisher and printer Callum Macdonald, and is administered in association with his widow, Tessa Ransford OBE.
The award encourages, recognises, and rewards the publication of poetry in pamphlet form. All entries submitted are added to the National Library of Scotland’s collections, annually enhancing the Library’s important collection of contemporary Scottish poetry pamphlets.

Stichill Marigold Press and Hansel Cooperative Press shared the 2010 title. This year Leonard McDermid, Kelso-based poet and founder of Stichill Marigold Press; and Christine De Luca, of Orkney-based Hansel Cooperative Press will form part of the judging panel.
Click here for more information on the Callum Macdonald Memorial Award, including the application form or call 0131 623 3842

The closing date for entries is March 28. Judging will take place in April 2011 where a shortlist will be produced. All shortlisted entries will be displayed at the awards ceremony at the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, on May 19.

Photo published under Creative Commons license Photographer archer10