Doric Board Chair, Frieda Morrison.

The Doric Board has distributed its latest series of financial awards to 15 projects across the North East of Scotland. The annual awards once again attracted a rich and diverse range of entries from across the North East and beyond, seeking to benefit from funding boosts of up to £1,000.

The Doric Board was created to energise public appreciation of the region’s exceptional heritage. This is the Board’s fourth annual set of awards which are supported by the Scottish Government to develop and support a sustainable, dynamic future for Doric as a vibrant language.

Among the projects set to receive a boost are a clutch of books, including Mike Shepherd’s project to edit and publish 19th century essays by Adam Drummond from Cruden Bay, referencing Bram Stoker, and William Hershaw’s “Laverock Tales” book of short stories.

In addition, a novel by Mike Gibb set against the backdrop of the Piper Alpha disaster will be supported, as well as a project by Mearns Writers to publish a pamphlet of members’ writing and host a workshop encouraging the use of Doric.

A collaboration between Jodie Bews and Jackie Ross will result in the creation of an illustrated book in Doric about the Scottish Wildcat, and this too has garnered Doric Board New Year Award support.

Also receiving a contribution will be plans by the Friends of the Elphinstone Institute to create an audio recording of stories by local writers.

Support for children’s projects is also to the fore, including funding to assist with the creation of Aaron Gale’s: “E Three Wee Grumphies” puppet theatre and North East Makar Sheena Blackhall’s “Doric Rhyme Time for Bairns”, which are library-based Doric taster sessions.

A resource for schools to aid and encourage the teaching of Doric spearheaded by Jackie Ross is also among
the projects which have been supported to reach out to the upcoming generation of Doric
speakers.

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is to receive a financial boost towards its planned performance of Peter and the Wolf with text in Doric, whilst residents of Aberlour will be helped to promote the use of Doric when discussing the town’s history and recording its heritage, thanks
partly to Doric Board funding.

Commenting on the latest round of awards, Doric Board Chair, Frieda Morrison said: “The volume, richness and diversity of applications clearly demonstrate the vibrancy of Doric language and culture.”

“Every year we are astonished at the creativity which exists within the region and we are delighted that the Doric Board can play a part in helping those behind such projects to realise their ambitions.”

The full list of recipients of Doric Board New Year Awards 2023 is attached below and to find out more, contact Frieda Morrison, or Gordon Hay or email info@doricboard.com

Recipients of Doric Board grants: