The William Soutar Writing Prize returns for 2020.

The creative writing competition run by Culture Perth and Kinross is inviting entries this year in the field of Spoken Word.

This highly regarded competition attracts a wide array of writers from across the globe to take part, as well as many local entrants from Perth and Kinross.

The charitable trust is asking that those wishing to take part in the 2020 competition to submit a short recording of an original piece of poetry, story, or a spoken performance. The video should be no more than 90 seconds in length and should not contain any music. Entries can be filmed inside or outside, with the performed piece being written and performed by the competition entrant. The theme for this year is Lockdown Insights.

This recent period of lockdown has left many of us feeling isolated. But we are not alone; we are collectively sharing a unique experience. The competition seeks to encourage entrants to write and perform creatively as a way to connect and share experiences.

Culture Perth and Kinross would like to hear about the insights individuals had during the lockdown. These could be from realising a pet prefers an empty house in the daytime to the company of its owners, to an appreciation of kindness and getting to know the local community. Culture Perth and Kinross would like to hear what entrants experienced and learned during the lockdown.

Entrants do not need to use professional equipment to make their recordings, as the content, not the quality, will be judged.

The writing competition this year will be open to two age groups; 17 and under, and over 18’s with one winner per category. The winner of the under 18’s category will receive a hamper of books and stationery to support them develop their creative writing skills.

The over 18’s winner will receive a Moniack Mhor creative writing retreat. Moniack Mhor is Scotland’s national creative writing centre based in the beautiful Scottish Highlands providing a creative and inspiring environment where you will have space and time to become fully immersed yourself in writing.

Speaking about the launch of the competition, Reader Development Officer at the charitable trust Jan Hay said ‘The power of Spoken Word comes from writing about what matters to you and expressing those thoughts and feelings in your voice. We all have a unique perspective and view of the world and never has it been a more important time to write, listen and share our stories. We hope that people will have some fun recording their piece and we are looking forward to receiving entries from young and old alike‘.

The closing date is 13th of November 2020, and full details, as well as rules and guidance on how to submit, are available on the competition page.