BUDDING AND EXPERIENCED writers alike are being reminded that a prize of £350 could await them if they pen a short story that reflects the rich and compelling history of Elgin.
The cash boost awaits the winning entrant to a short story competition launched in September last year by the Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere heritage project.
Writers are invited to pen a previously unpublished short story of no more than 3000 words set in Elgin and the surrounding area during the 18th and 19th centuries. Entry is free and the closing date for submissions is May 31.
The competition was launched at the Spirit of Moray Book Festival by the chairman of the Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere partnership, Jim Royan, who said: “By making the stories available online and as a printed collection, we can raise the profile of Elgin locally and nationally, attract the interest of writers and readers from across Britain and beyond, increase the numbers of those visiting Elgin and strengthen local pride and involvement in Elgin’s rich heritage.
“Elgin has a compelling history, not least during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when the city was transformed. We want writers to concentrate on that period and use the buildings, events and activities of that time as the basis for stimulating short stories.
“We are delighted to have secured the generous support of the Rotary Club of Elgin and to be working with them. This is an excellent example of how local organisations and businesses can contribute to the Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere experience.”
Donald Miller, President of the Rotary Club of Elgin, added: “Elgin Rotary Club is very impressed by the proposals for the Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere initiative and is delighted to support this writing competition which will further enhance the visitor experience and raise the profile of Elgin and area.
“We look forward to an excellent response and to seeing the best of the stories made as widely available as possible.”
The Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere project is a two-year project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and project partners. It links Elgin’s Cathedral and the internationally known Johnstons Cashmere mill in bringing to life over 1000 years of Elgin’s rich history, its people and important locations.
Partners in the project includes the Moray Council, HIE, Elgin BID, Elgin Fund, Historic Scotland, Moray College UHI, Johnstons, Moray Speyside Tourism, Robert Gordon University and the Moray Society.