Essay prize now open

THE 2026 Anne Brown Essay Prize for the best literary essay by a writer in, or from, Scotland has launched. The annual £1500 prize has become renowned for its support and encouragement of engaging, high-quality writing tackling a multitude of issues and topics. Isla Rosser-Owen, Wigtown Festival Company CEO, said: “The Anne Brown Essay Prize has been a catalyst for superb writers and compelling writing “We would urge both established and new essayists to enter for this year’s prize and look forward to reading the entries in the expectation that they will be full of delights, surprises and challenges.” Last year’s winner was Tamara Fulcher, with a piece on homelessness and sub-standard housing. Entries can be on any subject, maximum 4000 words to be sent in by June 15. See www.wigtownbookfestival.com for full details. Photo: Colin Hattersley