Region hosts literary residency for the first time

Applications have opened for a literary residency being hosted for the first time in the south of Scotland.

DG Unlimited, Dumfries and Galloway's creative and cultural network, will lead the year-long programme for the Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship.

The paid £24,000 fellowship - which starts in March - offers structured support, time in the region and opportunities to engage with the area's creative community.

Writers working in fiction, creative non-fiction, hybrid forms, spoken word, experimental writing, and graphic fiction have been encouraged to apply for the chance to develop new work under the theme "Unfolding Scotland".

Tabitha Mudaliar, creative director at DG Unlimited, said it was proud to host the fellowship for the first time.

"Our aim is to create a welcoming environment and respect the fellow's autonomy while surrounding them with encouragement, connection, and professional opportunity," she said.

Applications are particularly welcomed from writers who identify as belonging to ethnic minority groups, LGBTQIA+, have protected characteristics, or who have recently become residents of Scotland.

Beth Cochrane, literature officer at Creative Scotland, added: "Each year, the fellowship provides a rare and unique opportunity for established writers in Scotland to further their work and development.

"DG Unlimited joins a stellar line-up of hosts and is well placed to create another successful residency."

The fellowship was set up in memory of Dr Gavin Wallace who worked with Creative Scotland supporting writers and literature organisations throughout his career.

Applications close at 17:00 on 9 February with full details available online.