Toulmin Prize 2026 with Sheena Blackhall

In honour of Aberdeenshire writer David Toulmin (John Reid, 19131998), the Toulmin Prize writing competition is held annually by the Elphinstone Institute and sponsored by the Reid family.

Join us for this celebration of North-East writing with this years prizewinning story read aloud by Doric poet,Sheena Blackhall.John Reid (David Toulmin) was an Aberdeenshire farm labourer from Rathen, near Fraserburgh, who spent most of his life working long hours for very small rewards.

In odd moments he jotted down short stories, character studies, and bothy tales.

Eventually, as David Toulmin, he had a few articles printed in local newspapers.

The first of his ten books was published when he was 59 years old.

His work consists mostly of short stories and reminiscences, with his one novel, Blown Seed, painting a harsh picture of farm life.Sheena Blackhallis the Doric Boards Makar.

She has published some 174 poetry pamphlets in Scots & English, 4 novellas, and 15 collections of short stories, both online & in book form, meaning she is probably Scotlands most prolific poet.

In 2018 the University of Aberdeen gave her the honorary degree of Master of the University.