The Gaelic Literature Awards 2025: Shortlists

Posted on 26 August 2025 in Latest News

The Gaelic Books Council has announced the shortlists for the Gaelic Literature Awards 2025. Prizes are to be awarded in six categories, including titles published between 1st May 2024 and 30th April 2025, and for unpublished manuscripts.

Best Book for Children/Young People
Ailig agus an Dalek Gàidhlig – Shelagh Campbell (Acair)
An Cat Coigreach – June Graham (Bradan Press)
Na Mailghean Millteach – Steve Smallman, translated by Morag Stewart (Acair)
Uncail Dod agus Na Dìneasairean – Mary Gillies (Acair)

The Derick Thomson Prize for Best Poetry Book
Athair/Father – Christopher Whyte (Francis Boutle Publishers)
Bàrdachd a’ Bhaile Mhòir: 15 Glasgow Poems – ed. Niall O’Gallagher (Blue Diode Publishing)
Govanhill Mythology/Beul-aithris Chnoc a’ Ghobhainn – Shane Johnstone (Arkbound)

The Highland Society of London Prize for Best Fiction Book
Am Prionnsa – Graham Cooper (Luath Press)
A’ Hobat – J.R.R. Tolkien, translated by Moray Watson (Evertype)
Draoidh Drùidhteach Oz  – L. Frank Baum, translated by Zachary Wallace (Evertype)
Inneal na Tìme – H.G. Wells, translated by Moray Watson (Follais)

The Donald Meek Award for Best Non-fiction Book
An Staran: Rosg Gàidhlig le Ruaraidh MacThòmais – ed. Petra J. Poncarová (Acair)
A’ Chiad Bhana-Leòdhasach ann an Athabasca/The First Lewis Woman in Athabasca – Isabella MacIver Thomson (Islands Book Trust)
Unnad/Indigenous – Calum Angus Mackay (Acair)

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Children/Young People (in association with Acair)
Am Madadh-allaidh Smàlaidh – Sarah MacRae
M’ Fhaileas – Ceitidh Hutton
Somhairle Nach Gabhadh Comhairle – Morag Ann MacNeil

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Adults
An Luingeas Dorcha air Fàire – Tim Armstrong
Aonar – Iain Cumming
Faidhean is Taibhsean – Calum L. MacLeod
Gun Tiotal – Marcas Mac an Tuairneir

The winners will be announced at an evening reception on Tuesday 16th September 2025 at Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow.