Graphic logo for the Anne Brown Essay Prize. Championing Scottish writing talent. £1500 prize and free entry.

The Anne Brown Prize awards £1500 for the best literary essay by a writer in or from Scotland

Inviting fresh, insightful short-form writing.


Constant and dedicated champion of the Book Festival since its inception, the Essay Prize was established in honour of Anne Brown’s contribution within Wigtown as well as her astonishing career in radio and broadcasting and her cultivation of new talent in journalism.

About the Prize

The essay prize welcomes all entrants aged over 16 and resident in Scotland, born in Scotland or with a longstanding association with Scotland.

The word limit is 4000

Essays may be on any subject

There is no entry fee