Short Story Competition Archive
Each year from August to December, The Glencairn Glass hosts a crime short story competition with the theme “A Crystal-Clear Crime” & “A Crime Set in Scotland.” This competition is in partnership with Scottish Field Magazine and Bloody Scotland, and stories must be under 2,000 words.
In addition to the competition, The Glencairn Glass sponsors the McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing prizes to celebrate Scottish crime-writing talent. The Bloody Scotland festival takes place in the summer, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate the winners of the competition and awards.
This crime short story competition is judged by a panel of three experts, including Deborah Masson, the 2020 winner of the Bloody Scotland Debut Crime Novel of the Year, Peter Ranscombe, Scottish Field’s drinks columnist and author, and Gordon Brown, Glencairn’s marketing director and crime writer under the name Morgan Cry. The winner and runners-up will receive recognition for their work, and the winner will be awarded the coveted Glencairn Glass.
Aspiring writers have the chance to showcase their skills and join the ranks of previous years’ winners. The competition, sponsored by Glencairn Crystal, adds a unique and exciting twist to the contest. Whether it’s a classic whodunit, a psychological thriller, or a gripping heist, the possibilities for the stories are endless.
This competition is the perfect opportunity to flex your writing muscles and get your work in front of experienced crime writers and industry professionals. Don’t miss out on the chance to become the next big name in crime fiction!
2021 - 1ST PLACE
HALMEONI’S WISDOM
BY BRID CUMMINGS
A dark tale of human trafficking, illegal trade and a desire for freedom. Written by Brid Cummings, a fiction writer and occupational therapist, based in South Australia.
2021 - RUNNER UP
TEARDROPS
BY JENNIFER HARVEY
A story about a confession to murder and a need for retribution, born of revenge. Written by Jennifer Harvey, a Scottish author based in Denmark.
2021 - RUNNER UP
AULD BRIDE
BY JUDITH O’REILLY
A story about a lost soul returning to the island of her birth, where more than a new job awaits her. Written by Judith O’Reilly, author and former political producer with BBC and ITN and correspondent with The Sunday Times, based in Northumberland. Judith was also a ‘Crime in the Spotlighter’ at the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival in 2019.
