Join us at the Tolbooth in Stirling for a live literary showcase and our annual prizegiving, inspired by this year’s theme, Reflections, and hosted by poet Len Pennie.

The writing awards give new and experienced writers an opportunity to be recognised for work exploring mental health. Writers from across Scotland have been selected from nearly 250 entries spanning fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction. Shortlisted writers will be invited to read their work on the night, and their pieces will be published in a new collection featuring illustrations by local artist David Galletly.

The evening will also feature live music and spoken-word performances, bringing writers, artists and audiences together to celebrate creativity and the many ways writing can illuminate our experiences of mental health.

The event will be followed by a reception in the Tolbooth café bar.

Natalie Jayne Clark

Natalie Jayne Clark is a neurodivergent writer and producer based in Perth, Scotland. Her debut novel, The Malt Whisky Murders (2025, Poygon, Birlinn), was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize, longlisted for both the Saltire Scottish Fiction Book of the Year and the Crime Writers’ Association First Novel Dagger, and was selected as one of Waterstones Scottish Paperbacks of the Year. Natalie was shortlisted as one of The List UK’s Best Rising Scottish Authors 2026. She is a co-founder and co-host of Howl, a monthly open mic and writers community in Perth held at the iconic arts venue Osteria Bau Bau.