The annual Soutar Bairnrhymes competition was held this year on 29 September. The competition is organised by the Friends of William Soutar Society and is open to all primary school pupils based in Perth and Kinross. The Society provides assistance to teachers and children in learning and reciting Scots. In 2017 over 400 children from ten schools took part, with all those who qualified as finalists receiving certificates. The judges were very impressed by the high level of competency in the language.

The winner of the first place William Soutar trophy for ‘Bawsy Broon’ was Tulloch primary school pupil Dorian Siembida who is originally from Poland and who, when starting school about five years ago, could only speak Polish. Well done indeed, Dorian. The second prize went to Lucy Martin (Tulloch primary) for ‘The Lowpin Match’ and third to Blyth Brown-Swankie (Craigie primary) also for ‘Bawsy Broon’. The Scots Language Centre wishes well Dorian, Lucy, Blyth and the other children. (Photo by Elliott Boyle.)