The Kelpies Prize for Writing and Illustration

Shortlist Announced!

We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the Kelpies Prize for Writing and Illustration 2026. The standard of entries this year was extremely high, and our judges have thoroughly enjoyed perusing your submissions. Find out more about this year’s shortlist by clicking the images below or download the press release.

Meet the Writing Shortlist:

Meet the Illustration Shortlist:

 

Award Ceremony

The winner will be announced on Friday 18^th September 2026 at the Grassmarket Centre in Edinburgh. The event will include a spectacular shortlist showcase with readings by author and storyteller Janis Mackay, before the winner is revealed by a special guest presenter.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch live online, or sign up to our mailing list to make sure you receive all the details.

Kelpies Prize 2025

The winners of the Kelpies Prize 2025 were announced by author and artist Alice Melvin at Edinburgh’s Grassmarket Centre.

Tem Rae Wilder was the winner of the writing prize, while Joshua Dau won the Kelpies Prize for Illustration.

You can find out about our previous winners here, or download the latest press release.