New Writers

Returning for the second year, we present 'New Writers', this year featuring the winner of The Astley Prize, readings by fourth year Creative Writing students from the University of the Highlands & Islands, members of local writing groups, and more. The Astley Prize is a short story writing prize launched by the festival this year in memory of Veyatie Astley, a talented young local writer. This new prize, open to all over the age of 16, has attracted entries from across the UK and beyond. Entries were judged by bestselling author Sean Lusk, winner of the Manchester Fiction Prize and the Fish Short Story Prize.