2025 Poetry Prizes Shortlist
Twentieth Annual Wigtown Prizes Attract ‘Galaxy of Poets’
The shortlist of finalists has been revealed for the 20th annual Wigtown Poetry Prizes – Scotland’s international three-language awards.
The 2025 prizes will be awarded at the annual book festival in Scotland’s National Book Town as part of the Wigtown Book Festival which takes place from 26 September to 5 October.
This year there have been 412 entries, from as far afield as Bulgaria, Finland, New Zealand and Thailand.
The organisers have welcomed the high level of enthusiasm for the awards and the quality of the entries.
Nick Walker, Wigtown Festival Company Trustee and Poetry Prizes lead, said: “This year’s awards are very special as they are our 20th. The shortlist is very strong, reflecting continuing interest poets have for working in each of our indigenous languages – English, Gaelic and Scots – and the role of our prizes in nurturing and showcasing them.”
Penpont poet Hugh McMillan, who is judging the International prize and the Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize, said: “The Wigtown Prizes always attract a galaxy of poets from all over the place and this year is no exception.
“The standard in both the international prize and the Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize was very high indeed - the range and voice were varied, the craft obvious.
“The choice in both categories was ridiculously difficult and the shortlisted candidates are just the tip of a hugely talented iceberg.”
Nicholas Walker - by Colin Tennant
Hugh McMillan
The full shortlist
International Prize
Cutting - James Bradley
Blink - Kieran Condell
My Grandfather's Alibi - Paul McMahon
Mint - Penny Sharman
Stone Soup - Julie Sheridan
What We Did with the Miner's Jacket - Molly Thapviwat
Scots Language Prize
Lowpin wi Lassies - Donald Adamson
Wisp - Keeks Mc
Shetlandic Lament for a Cormorant - Kevin McClung
Poesie - Elaine Morton
The Scaum o Sky an Sowl - Jilly O'Brien
Scottish Gaelic Prize
Glìtheag nam Faoileag air Alman - Rody Gorman
Thar is Chun - Shane Johnstone
Clachan-Bunait - Marcas Mac an Tuairneir
Mìlseachd an t-Samhraidh - Kevin McClung
Ullachadh Obrach gu Fàth-fiata - Victoria Maciver
Cuairt Sgudail - Mairi Macleod
Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize
Sheuchins In - Donald Adamson
After Echoes - Jennifer Harrison
One Half of the Sky is - Clear Carol McKay
The Instrumentalists Have Faces - Bradley Samore
Be That As It May - Roger West
D&G Fresh Voice Award
Butterfly In Rain - Renita Boyle
Taskscapes - Carey Combs
Collection - Louise Green
Collection - Jane McBeth
Machars - Alex McBratney
The Scots language prize is sponsored by the Saltire Society and will be judged by last year’s winner, Lesley Benzie.
The Gaelic Prize is supported by The Gaelic Books Council and will be judged by Edinburgh-based Highland writer Elissa Hunter-Dorans who is the Gaelic Poetry editor for The Poets' Republic magazine, published by Drunk Muse Press.