“Scots is one of three native languages spoken in Scotland today, the other two being English and Scottish Gaelic. Scots is the collective name for Scottish dialects known also as Doric, Lallans and Scotch or by more local names such as Buchan, Dundonian, Glesca or Shetland.” - Scots Language Centre
You’d think a language that’s recognised by UNESCO and the European Union and that’s studied in universities across Scotland wouldn’t cause a great deal of controversy or outrage, and would instead instil a sense of national pride. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, as the mere existence of the Scots language (it is a language, yes) continues to invoke an incredibly aggressive and dismissive discourse online - to the point that some speakers and writers of Scots have had to lock their accounts due to continued harassment. It’s disheartening, but the Scots language community are not easily silenced.
Enter award-winning author and journalist Emma Grae, who is one of the community’s loudest voices. Hailing from Glasgow, Grae is a wonderfully fierce advocate for the Scots language who, through her published writing and social media accounts alike, eloquently provides facts and pushback in response to those who try to dim her advocacy and enthusiasm for all things Scots. And something that certainly helps her cause is that her advocacy and enthusiasm are critically acclaimed.
Her debut novel, Be Guid tae yer Mammy, a family drama following three generations of Glaswegian women who might not all be what they seem, was published by Unbound in August 2021 and quickly made its mark in the Scottish literary world, winning the Scots Book of the Year at the Scots Language Awards in 2022 and getting shortlisted for the Saltire Society’s Scottish Fiction Book of the Year Award the same year.
She followed her debut with The Tongue She Speaks, published by Luath Press in October 2022, which follows the challenges faced by a bullied teenager in 2007 Glasgow who is determined to become a Scots writer. It’s a wonderful coming-of-age story, though we are biased, as Read The Room co-editor Alfie had the pleasure of creating the cover illustration for a novella version of the book for the Scots Language Centre.
Most recently, she’s brought her craft to children’s books with November 2023’s The Hoolet Thit Couldnae Fly. Also published by Luath Press, the illustrated chapter book explores themes of confidence and celebrates the idea that it is okay to be different, all while familiarising little ones with Scots. It even includes a Scots glossary at the end!
In short, Grae’s literary work is a celebration of the historic and wonderfully-diverse Scottish dialects that make up the Scots Language. Her positive activism and passion are very much needed and appreciated. Read The Room co-editor Alfie had a quick chat with Emma as part of the magazine’s ‘End Of Year 2023’ interviews. This marks the last in the series.
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Alfie Whitby: We know it’s February now, but still, 2023 was quite a year! What were your personal highlights?
Emma Grae: Oh, it was definitely speaking in favour of Scottish independence at Cambridge University. I don't think I quite realised what I was getting myself into when I agreed to it. But sometimes ignorance is bliss as if I'd known there was going to be an audience of about 300 people, I'm not sure I could have done it. Amazingly, I did though. I managed to hold my nerve and argue about the cultural importance of independence from the point of view of the Scots language - and unbelievably my team emerged victorious!
The other big highlight was writing my first children's book The Hoolet Thit Couldnae Fly at the suggestion of my publisher Luath Press at Moniack Mhor in the Scottish Highlands. It was such a stunning, inspirational setting, and I'm so proud that I managed to leave with a book after travelling up with nothing other than a desire to write one and time!
AW: How would you describe 2023 in three words?
Emma: Fun, frightening, and ultimately braw.
AW: Has there been a standout book, record, film, podcast, concert etc that you particularly enjoyed last year?
Emma: I went to see Josh Ritter in Glasgow knowing absolutely nothing about his work back in October. I've been to a fair few concerts before where I haven't known the artist, but that was the first one that had me in almost-tears with how beautiful the lyrics were, and I've enjoyed listening to his music since then!
AW: What are your plans for 2024? Any exciting projects in the works?
Emma: My plans for 2024 are to complete a draft of my third novel, Cathy, yer Dancin Shoes Oan, which has been in the works since 2016, and return to the Highlands to write my second children's book, which has a title that I think I'll keep to myself for now!
As for the novel though, think the Scots Bridget Jones, only without the romance. Instead, it's a comment on mental health, friendship, and bravery. It's also the sequel to my second novel, The Tongue She Speaks, if anyone thinks the name Cathy rings a bell!
AW: Do you have a message for your future self? Is there anything you learned in 2023 that you should definitely take into 2024 with you?
Emma: You only get so many goes around the sun.
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You can learn more about Emma Grae at her website emmagraeauthor.com and at @emmagraeauthor on Twitter/X and Instagram.
Words and interview: Alfie Whitby (they/them)
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