The Gaelic Literature Awards 2025: Winners

Posted on 17 September 2025 in Latest News

©Holly Pearson

The winners of the Gaelic Literature Awards 2025 have been announced at a ceremony at Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow, on Tuesday 16th September. Prizes were awarded in four categories for books published between 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025, and also for unpublished manuscripts for adults and for children or young people.

Gaelic writers from beyond Scotland’s shores were among those who took home prizes, with writers from the United States, Hungary and the Czech Republic, and a Canadian publisher, among those recognised by the judges, in addition to the many Scottish writers whose work was recognised across all categories in this year’s competition.

Best Book for Children/Young People

Winner: Na Mailghean Millteach – Steve Smallman, translated by Morag Stewart (Acair)

 

 

 

 

 

Highly commended: An Cat Coigreach – June Graham (Bradan Press)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Derick Thomson Prize for Best Poetry Book

Winner: Athair/Father – Christopher Whyte (Francis Boutle Publishers)

 

 

 

 

 

Highly commended: Bàrdachd a’ Bhaile Mhòir: 15 Glasgow Poems – ed. Niall O’Gallagher (Blue Diode Publishing)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Highland Society of London Prize for Best Fiction Book

Winner: Am Prionnsa – Graham Cooper (Luath Press)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Donald Meek Award for Best Non-fiction Book

Winner: An Staran: Rosg Gàidhlig le Ruaraidh MacThòmais – ed. Petra J. Poncarová (Acair)

 

 

 

 

 

Highly commended: Unnad/Indigenous – Calum Angus Mackay (Acair)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Children/Young People (in association with Acair)

Winner: Somhairle Nach Gabhadh Comhairle – Morag Ann MacNeil

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Unpublished Manuscript for Adults

Winner: An Luingeas Dorcha air Fàire – Tim Armstrong

 

 

 

 

 

The Gaelic Books Council congratulates the winners and offers sincere thanks to all the people and organisations who have supported the Gaelic Literature Awards 2025, including Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Highland Society of London, Acair, Donald Meek, and the family of the late Professor Derick Thomson.

Shortlists for each category can be found at: https://www.gaelicbooks.org/the-gaelic-literature-awards-2025-shortlists?lang=en