Book festival at Helmsdale awards special prize to Golspie school boy whose literary skills were unlocked by music
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A GOLSPIE school pupil who just a year ago struggled with literacy has won a special prize - for writing a song.
Angus Macdonald, aged 9, was presented with a wooden trophy in the shape of a musical note and a certificate at the end of a three-day book festival, held in Helmsdale last weekend. A story writing competition for children and adults ran in conjunction with the event.
Organiser Glyn Salisbury, who along with partner Carolyn Bilyard founded the festival which took place in Thurso for the first time last year, said he had been bowled over by Angus’s entry, entitled LIFE, and especially after hearing his backstory.
Mum Rebecca who proudly watched her son receive the award, said the youngster could scarcely recognise the alphabet last year, but thanks to the dedication of teachers, in particular Ethan Walker, had made huge strides.
Ms Macdonald also said that a method of teaching literacy involving using music and song had really struck a chord with Angus.
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More than 60 entries were received for the children's contest with another Golspie school pupil, Isaac Costin, winning the seven-eight years category. Other winners came from Castletown and Watten. Isaac read his gripping story out at the end of festival awards session at Othin House on Sunday evening.
Winners of the adult writing competition were Joshua Hook, Susan Andrews and Joanna Mansfield.
The competitions were judged by authors Anne-Marie Jones, David Munro and Paula RC Readman. Around 16 authors took part in the independent festival which comprised talks, workshops and book launches as well as a book sales table and a raffle.
Mr Salisbury said the newly opened Othin House had proved to be a fantastic venue and the festival would return there in 2024. It is intended to hold a one-day book fair at Othin House on November 18.
Children's competition results
7-8 years
1 Isaac Costin, Golspie
2 Reese Sutherland, Wick
3 Chantelle Miller, Castletown
9-10 years
1 Connor Crossley, Watten
2 Paige Stoneman, Castletown
3 Katie Ross, Castletown
11-12 years
1 Jack Robertson, Castletown
2 Oliver Currums, Castletown
3 Larissa McPhee, Castletown
3 Chantelle Miller, Castletown
