The Saltire Society, founded in 1936 to promote all aspects of Scottish culture, is proud to announce its National Scottish Song Competition. This was established in 1975 by Jean Lindsay with the aim of encouraging both singing and new composition in all of Scotland’s languages, English, Gaelic or Scots. The singing competition will comprise two classes of childrens’ and school choirs aged under and over 13 years of age. They may either perform a song of their own choosing or learn a piece listed on the Saltire Society entry form. Winning choirs will receive a trophy and certificates.

 The separate composition category is for young composers (aged up to 21) and is designed to encourage new composition in Scotland. Called the Composition Award, the winning composer will receive a certificate and it is hoped his or her composition will be recorded and performed at the awards ceremony. The composition in this category may be in English, Gaelic or Scots.

 The choirs and composition will perform at the Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, on Wednesday 2 June 2010, beginning at 10.30am. The adjudicator will be Kenneth Thomson. All entries must be sent in by the closing date of Friday 14 May 2010, to The Saltire Society, 9 Fountain Close, 22 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TF.

If you would like more information, or entry forms, please contact the Saltire Society by phone 0131 556 1836, by e-mail saltire@saltiresociety.org.uk, or check out their website at www.saltiresociety.org.uk