EDM 1565: Shortlist for Highland Book Prize 2024

That this House congratulates the authors shortlisted for the 2024 Highland Book Prize, Genevieve Carver, Ali Smith, Jen Stout, and Dr Joni Buchanan, and recognises the prize as a significant celebration of literary excellence connected to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; commends the Highland Book Prize for showcasing the diversity and vitality of authors who were born in or live in the Highlands, as well as books whose content illuminates the culture, landscape, and heritage of the region; applauds Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s Creative Writing Centre, along with the Highland Society of London and the National Library of Scotland, for their ongoing partnership in supporting and promoting literature rooted in place, identity and history; notes that the shortlist reflects the strength of literary voices working across genres and themes, and the continuing contribution of Highland-based and Highland-inspired writers to the national and international cultural conversation; and encourages efforts to ensure that the literary life of the Highlands and Islands continues to be nurtured, recognised and widely read.