The Isobel Slorach Poetry Award

Dumbarton poet, Stephen Watt and independent publishing house Into Creative have teamed up to give one lucky winner the opportunity to have their poem brought to life in musical form by Scottish pop band, The Bluebells.

The Isobel Slorach Poetry Award submissions runs from 1 to 31 July 2026 and welcomes up to three poems of 40 lines or less for the fee of £10, with all monies going towards Down’s Syndrome Scotland in memory of Stephen’s late-aunt Isobel.

The winner will be given the opportunity to read their poem on stage at Sandfest, a fundraising concert associated with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, prior to The Bluebells performing.

Award founder and judge, Stephen said: “I remember Mogwai running a competition in 2014 wherein a poet living or working in North Lanarkshire would see their work turned into a song.

“Additionally in 2020, Ken (McCluskey) from The Bluebells has also proven this concept could work by turning a poem written for a Pete Shelley (Buzzcocks) poetry collection, which I edited, into the song ‘Anyone Could Be A Buzzcock’ that thereafter appeared on the band’s second record.

“These were great motivators for progressing with the idea”.

Stephen’s Aunt Isobel, who lived with Down’s Syndrome, passed away in 2014 but remains firmly in his thoughts.

“My family have strong ties to both music and dancing, and it was something which my Aunt Isobel relished.

“Being able to bond these passions with my first love – poetry – and have the backing by the boys in The Bluebells is quite a special thing.

“The idea arrived on what would have been my Aunt Isobel’s 72^nd birthday, and we hope to raise as much money as we can for Down’s Syndrome Scotland through this competition.

“I am greatly looking forward to reading the submissions which come our way”.

From all the entries received, a top five will be selected by Stephen to be passed to The Bluebells, and the band will have final say on who wins the award.

Down’s Syndrome Scotland Fundraising Lead, Ashley Taylor added “We are incredibly grateful to Stephen, Into Creative and The Bluebells for creating such a meaningful and imaginative way to honour Isobel’s memory.

“This award not only celebrates creativity but also helps raise vital funds and awareness that help us support people with Down’s syndrome and their families across Scotland.

“We can’t wait to hear the poems submitted and to see one of them brought to life on stage at Sandfest in October.