Extra time to enter Keith TMSA Doric competitions

DORIC writers young and old have more time to enter a competition showing off their literary talents.

Kathleen Anderson, chairperson of Keith’s Traditional Music and Song Association (TMSA), announced that the deadline for entering three competitions has been extended from Monday, May 13 to 9pm on Friday, May 17.

She added that quality entries have already been received in all categories.

The Ian Middleton competition is seeking Doric poems written by children younger than 12, on any subject, but it must be the young person’s own work.

Also up for grabs, is the top prize in the Charles Murray competition for intergeneration writing.

This category has invited family entries from an adult and a child, young or old, to put their heads together to write a piece of poetry or prose.

Describing the category, Ms Anderson said the category was vital to “help the passing on of the Scots language through generations”.

Winners are set to take home a beautiful silver salver with a lovely image of Charles Murray etched on the front, designed by local artist Joyce Thain) and donated by local business woman Marguerite Cruickshank from Mither Tongue.

Finally, the Aultgowrie contest is open to adults and tasks them with writing their finest Doric poem.

Musical talents can also join a composition contest, recognising the best Scottish tune composed specially for this year’s Keith TMSA.

Entries can be emailed to kethfestival@gmail.com, or posted or hand delivered to: Kathleen Anderson, 27 Nelson Street, Huntly, AB54 8DF.

Keith’s TMSA committee is gearing up for this year’s festival, running from Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16.

The town is set to enjoy the typical combination of sessions, concerts and competitions throughout the weekend.

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