Ash age 13 from Glenfarg, Cairn age 12 from Balgowan and Ava age 9, Daisy age 5, Lily age 11 and Sofia age 8 all from Crieff, each penned a short story for the competition which launched in February for National Storytelling Week. The competition gathered international interest with over 300 entries from across Scotland, England, Wales and even America.
The six youngsters are part of a shortlist of only 30 stories, all of which will feature in a specially designed bedtime storybook which will be available at all eight hotels in the Crieff Hydro Family.
The panel of independent judge authors – John Bray, Helen Grant and Susy McPhee – selected with help from Strathearn Arts, will pick just three overall winners who will also have their stories brought to life in illustration for the limited edition book. The artists who will each illustrate one winning story are Charlotte Brayley, Dylan Gibson and The Grey Earl.
Judge and author Helen Grant said: “Reading these stories was an absolute joy but it was also extremely difficult to narrow down the shortlist. I wish it had been possible for all the stories to win. Many of the entrants have a clear talent for creative writing - such vivid imaginations - and I hope they all keep it up.”
Work will begin shortly to create the book for summer and if restrictions allow, shortlisted entries will be welcomed to a Mini Book Festival at Crieff Hydro Hotel in July.
Nic Oldham, Head of Customer and Commercial at Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “We were thrilled to receive hundreds of competition entries that spread across the country and even overseas covering a wide array of subjects. There was everything from heart-warming tales to action adventures with mythical creatures and they certainly made the job difficult for our judges.
“We can’t wait to welcome the shortlisted entries to Crieff Hydro in July, if restrictions allow, to enjoy some family fun at our Book Festival and to be presented with their own copy of the limited edition story book. Thank you again to all of the entries and congratulations to our shortlist.”
Full list of shortlisted entries:
Aaron, Age 6, Oban, Story title – Hydro the Dragon
Abigail, Age 14, Kansas, Story title – Chloe the Cow
Alasdair, Age 9, Oban, Story title – The Crieff Spaceship
Ash, Age 13, Glenfarg, Perth, Story title – The Knock
Ava, Age 9, Comrie, Crieff Story title – Henry the Happy Highland Cow
Cairn, Age 12, Balgowan, Perth Story title – The Holiday at The Hydro
Charley, Age 12, Aberdeenshire, Story title – The Dragon of Crieff Hydro
Chloe, Age 14, Penicuik, Story title – My Brother the Superhero
Clara, Age 11, London, Story title – The Crieffers: Battle of Domestic Elves vs Savage Beast
Daisy, Age 5, Crieff, Story title – Captain Bluebeak
Ellie, Age 11, Kent, Story title – The Most Thrilling Time
Erin, Age 11, Monifieth, Angus, Story title – The Hotel at the end of the Rainbow
Esmee, Age 5, Glasgow, Story title – The Fairy and the Fire
Fern, Age 6, St Arvans, Wales, Story title – The Missing Object
Fin, Age 12, Edinburgh, Story title – The Rope Swing
Grace, Age 7, Laurencekirk, Story title – Jet’s Magic Lugs
Grace, Age 8, Fort William, Story title – Mice in the Hotel
Isabelle, Age 7, London, Story title – The Magic Portal
Isla, Age 7, Shettleston, Story title – The Fairy and Dog Adventure
Jake, Age 14, Glasgow, Story title – A New Puppy
Kathryn, Age 13, Burntisland, Fife, Story title – Picture Perfect
Lily, Age 11, Crieff, Story title – The Victorian Garden Adventure
Lucie, Age 7, East Kilbride, Story title – The Secret Door
Margaux, Age 9, Glasgow, Story title – Fern Towers Memories
Merida, Age 7, Glasgow, Story title – Spooky House
Michael, Age 13, Edinburgh, Story title – The Finest Zipwire
Peter, Age 11, Pickering Story title – Adventure of the Tweed
Sofia, Age 8, Crieff, Story title – The Tree Top Tea Party
Summer, Age 4, Pittenweem, Story title – Mermaids Adventure
Taylor, Age 14, Glasgow, Story title – A Toy’s Way Home