Entries are now invited for the Shetland Dialect Poetry Competition .  First launched in 2009, and known as  Bards in the Bog, the competition is run by Shetland Library in partnership with Shetland Forwirds and Living Lerwick. Karen Fraser, who is the Library Manager, said she is hoping to receive entries from all ages since writing in Shetland is still strong among younger generations. The entries will be judged by members of the dialect society Shetland ForWirds and its convener, Mary Blance, made the comment that Wir very blyde ta get involved wi dis an raelly lookin forward ta seein whit kinda poems folk come up wi. Poems will be displayed as in former years in shop windows along Comercial Street, in Lerwick, during January, as part of the Living Lerwick Winter Festival, and also on toilet doors throughout the Isles.

Poems should be no longer than 14 lines in length, and must either be in Shetland dialect, or incorporate the dialect within them. Entries must also be original, unpublished work. The closing date for entries is 14 December 2013. If you would like to find out more please visit Shetland Library website at www.shetland-library@shetland.gov.uk or phone 01595 743866 or e-mail Karen Fraser at  Karen.fraser@shetland.gov.uk .