SCOTTISH history is not so much bunk as sunk in this year’s Saltire Society Literary Awards. In a discomfiting decision, the Society has scrapped its Scottish History Book category because submissions, in the words of judging panel convener Professor Chris Whatley, “failed to meet the standards we expect”.
The panel’s criteria include high quality research and analysis, originality, accessible writing style, and the book’s production values. Having failed on these counts this year, Prof Whatley expressed a hope Scottish historians would “rise to the challenge” next year.
Eminent historian Professor Tom Devine expressed surprise at the decision, particularly at a time “when Scottish historical studies are so vibrant”.
Prof Whatley has encouraged publishers to recommend their best titles to the Society. Do publishers need to get more involved? Be that as it may, for a body dedicated to promoting Scottish culture to say it has found no valid history books is disturbing. Perhaps it needs to look harder or not be so reliant on submissions. Certainly, those who made submissions this year must feel slighted.
Standards, of course, must be maintained, just as responsibility and sensitivity must be exercised in judging such prestigious awards. At any rate, we hope this decision is not condemned to repeat itself next year.
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