HI~Arts is now seeking submissions from writers of fiction living in the Highland and Islands of Scotland wishing to be considered for a place on our annual Masterclass for the best new fiction writing talent in the region.

At the end of March every year, HI~Arts holds a week-long residential Masterclass for the 10 most promising new fiction writers in the Highlands and Islands region. The Masterclass features five days of seminars, discussions and writing time with major authors including Andrew Greig & Kevin MacNeil. Writers also have the chance to discuss their work with literary agents.

HI~Arts' writing Development Coordinator, Peter Urpeth, said:

'We are very pleased to be able to widen the chance of participation in The Masterclass this year. Writing in the region is in rude health at present, with our writers making a major contribution to the vitality and diversity of Scottish books. We aim to ensure that writers in the region who want professional support and assistance in getting their work to its maximum potential, and to find agents and / or publishers can do so.'

The Masterclass is held in the beautiful village of Cromarty, at the top of the Black Isle, and is free and fully residential.

The Masterclass takes place from Monday 31sst March to Saturday 5th April 2008.

To apply for a place you must be resident in the Highlands and Islands region and able to attend the Masterclass in the dates specified above. If you can answer 'yes' to both of these criteria, please submit (to the e-mail address below) a portfolio of recent / current work or work in progress (a minimum of 15'000 words as part novel or short stories), synopsis, CV and a statement of max. 100 words as to why you should be considered for the Masterclass this year.

Writers who have previously attended a HI~Arts' Masterclass, or who have already submitted work to any of our projects in 2007 please do not apply as you automatically qualify for consideration for a place. Previous unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply this year.

HI~Arts may be able to assist you with the costs of travel to Cromarty and childcare, please let us know if we can help.

Deadline for submissions - Friday 15th February 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by Tuesday 26th February 2008.

Applications should be made - preferably via e-mail - to:

peter@hi-arts.co.uk

Or, alternatively, post to:


Peter Urpeth
Writing Development Coordinator
HI~Arts
4th Floor, Ballantyne House
84 Academy Street
Inverness IV1 1LU


Submissions must be made in a common file format - doc / rtf or pdf.


Posted submissions must be printed double spaced and single-sided. Do not send originals of any work as submissions cannot be returned to you.

Full details can be found on our website: http://www.hi-arts.co.uk/writing

HI~Arts programme of writing development - and The Masterclass - is funded by HIE & Scottish Arts Council.