21st Wigtown Prizes Mark Centenary of Great Scottish Poet Alastair Reid

Established in 2005, they have become recognised as Scotland’s international awards and make a valuable contribution to contemporary Scottish culture at home and worldwide.

World wide entries

The £1,500 Wigtown International Prize attracts entries from across the globe.

Winners and finalists of Wigtown Poetry Prizes have come from as far afield as Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Ireland, the USA and, of course, Scotland.

The Scots and Scottish Gaelic prizes also attract submissions from many parts of the world – some from Scots living overseas, others from people with Scottish roots and others by writers with a love for and interest in the country.

While most poetry prizes are for single pieces of writing, Wigtown has the Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize, which allows poets to enter a whole body of work.

Internationally renowned judges

This year’s panel of judges has also been announced and consists of some renowned names:

• Ruth Padel – Wigtown International Prize
• Niall Gallagher – Wigtown Scottish Gaelic Prize
• Rab Wilson – Wigtown Scots Prize
• Ruth Padel - Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize
• Marjorie Lotfi – Dumfries and Galloway Fresh Voice Award.

Nicholas Walker, Wigtown Poetry Prize Group Chair, said: “It’s a proud moment for us to be able to launch the 21^st annual Wigtown Poetry Prizes, especially as this is the centenary of Alastair Reid, a truly great Scottish poet born in nearby Whithorn.

“It’s not just Reid’s brilliance as a poet that makes him significant, it’s also his international outlook, his love of other cultures and ideas, and his passion for creativity and the written word.

“Poetry has an unparalleled ability to explore and share ideas, emotions and experiences. It is also a celebration of language – in the case of the Wigtown Poetry Prizes a celebration of our country’s three indigenous languages, in all their richness and expressive power.

“We have a superb panel of judges, and we are all looking forward to reading this year’s entries which we have no doubts will be an impressively rich mix of themes and perspectives.”

Honouring voice, tone and form

Ruth Padel said: "I'm thrilled and honoured to be judging, among the legendary Wigtown Poetry Prizes, the single poem International Prize, and also the Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize in the centenary year of his birth. Poetry is now so wonderfully diverse, and there is such a high quality out there, so many different voices, tones and forms, I can't wait to get reading, see what arrives, and honour them." 

A rael heich staundart o wark

Rab Wilson says interest in Scots has never been stronger and that there is a thriving scene in prose and poetry.

He said: “Ah hae a lang and canty connection wi the Buiktoun, haein attended the verra first Wigtown Book Festival and attending the fest regularly fir mony years. In this past year we hae seen a resurgence and arguably a renaissance in the indigenous leids o Scotland wi the introduction o the Scottish Languages Bill bi the Scots Government.

“The Wigtown competition aye attracts a rael heich staundart o wark frae contemporary Scots makars an ah'll be delychtit tae see virr an smeddum in evri line o their labours!”

Recognising the talents of Gaelic writers

The Gaelic Prize is recognised as a showcase for some of the best contemporary writing in a rich and beautiful language.

Niall O'Gallagher said: “Tha duais bhiladhnail Bhaile na h-Ùige na cothrom cluas a chur ris na tha tachairt ann am bàrdachd Ghàidhlig na h-Alba. Is mi a tha dèanamh fiughair ri fios bho bhàird an latha an-diugh feuch càite a bheil an aire agus ciamar a chuireas iad saoibhreas a' chànain gu feum.”

Niall O'Gallagher said: “The annual Wigtown Gaelic Poetry Prize is a chance to listen in to what's happening in Scottish Gaelic poetry. I'm looking forward to reading this year's entries to see what's captured the poets’ attention and how they use the copious resources that the language has to offer.”

Alison Lang, Director of prize sponsors the Gaelic Books Council, added: “Tha Comhairle nan Leabhraichean toilichte a bhith a’ cumail taic ri Farpais Bhàrdachd Baile na h-Ùige a-rithist, agus tha sinn an dòchas gum bi sgrìobhadairean Gàidhlig air am brosnachadh gus dàin ùra a chur a-steach. Tha e daonnan na thlachd a bhith ag aithneachadh tàlant nam bàrd tron fharpais seo, agus bidh e na urram dhuinn soirbheas an luchd-buannachaidh a chomharrachadh as t-fhoghar 2026.”

Alison Lang, Director of prize sponsors the Gaelic Books Council, added: “The Gaelic Books Council is pleased to be supporting the Wigtown Poetry Competition again, and we hope that Gaelic writers will be encouraged to submit new poems. It is always a pleasure to recognise the poetic talent that emerges from this competition, and we look forward to celebrating the success of the 2026 winners this autumn.”

An international perspective

In addition to the prizes’ international perspective, there is also an emphasis on encouraging regional talent. The Dumfries and Galloway Fresh Voice Award is specifically for previously unpublished poets based in the region.

Marjorie Lotfi said: “As someone who regularly works with writers working towards a first publication, I can't wait to read the new work from writers with a Dumfries and Galloway connection. I look forward to poring over the submissions.”

The prizes will be awarded at a special event during the annual Wigtown Book Festival in Scotland’s National Book Town which takes place 25 September to 4 October.

The 2026 awards

• Wigtown International Prize: Winner: £1,500. Runner-up: £200
• Wigtown Scots Prize: Winner: £500. Runner-up: £200
• Wigtown Scottish Gaelic Prize: Winner: £500. Runner-up: £200. Supported by The Gaelic Books Council
• Dumfries & Galloway Fresh Voice Award: Professional support including mentoring by Wigtown Festival Company and a retreat at Scotland’s National Creative Writing Centre, Moniack Mhor. Supported by Moniack Mhor
• Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize: Winner: Publication of a pamphlet set by Gerry Cambridge.

Entries close at 12 noon (UK time) on Wednesday 6 May, 2026.

Full details can be found on the Wigtown Poetry Prize website.