Saltire Society
The Saltire Society is a membership organisation which aims to promote the understanding of the culture and heritage of Scotland. Founded in 1936, the society was "set up to promote and celebrate the uniqueness of Scottish culture and Scotland’s heritage, and to reclaim Scotland’s place as a distinct contributor to European and international culture."[1] The society organises lectures and publishes pamphlets, and presents a series of awards in the fields of art, architecture, literature and history.[2]
The society is based in Edinburgh, with branches in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Glasgow, Helensburgh, the Highlands, Kirriemuir and New York City. The current president is journalist Magnus Linklater.[3]
History
The society was founded in 1936 in Glasgow.[4] In 1968 the society appointed their first full-time director, based at their headquarters at Gladstone's Land in Edinburgh.[5] In November 2012, ahead of the Scottish Independence referendum, the society looked to relaunch itself with a business plan that included lectures and debates centered around cultural issues.[6]
Past presidents include Eric Linklater, architect Robert Matthew, architect Sir Robert Hurd and literary scholar David Daiches.[7]
Awards
The Saltire Awards is a collective name for a series of awards presented by the Saltire Society in recognition of contributions to Scotland's cultural heritage.
- National Scottish Song Competition, established in 1980 to encourage young people to participate in traditional singing.[8]
- Arts and Crafts in Architecture Award
- Saltire Society Civil Engineering Awards, awarded in association with the Institution of Civil Engineers.[9]
- Saltire Society Housing Design Awards, the society's oldest award, established in 1937.[10]
- Saltire Society Literary Awards, "the oldest... awards for Scottish based authors in their home nation."[11]
- Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun Award, established in 1988, presented in recognition of "a significant contribution made to Scottish culture."[9]
References
- ↑ "Report of the Saltire Commission" (PDF). Saltire Society. 2011. p. 7.
- ↑ "Saltire Society Awards". Saltire Society. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- ↑ Miller, Phil (1 December 2012). "Saltire Society prize secures awards hat-trick for Kelman". The Herald. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- ↑ "Saltire milestone". The Glasgow Herald. 23 April 1986. p. 5. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
- ↑ "Director of Saltire Society". The Glasgow Herald. 26 February 1968. p. 12. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
- ↑ Miller, Phil (15 November 2012). "Saltire Society revamp in bid to inspire debate in run-up to independence poll". The Herald. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
- ↑ "President Saltire Society". Saltire Society. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- ↑ "Saltire Society Song Awards". Saltire Society. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- 1 2 "Saltire Society Awards". Saltire Society. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- ↑ "Saltire Society Architecture Awards". Saltire Society. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- ↑ "Saltire Society Literature Awards". Saltire Society. Retrieved 15 January 2013.