Secrets - Janice Galloway

Entrants were given a single word - 'secrets' - as a trigger to set their creativity loose. They were asked to compose stories that explored the meaning of 'secrets' in whatever way they wanted. More than one thousand entries were received and the resulting collection is a clear indicator of the sheer wealth of talent emerging in Scotland today. Last year's competition, which was based around the concept of 'north' was won by Rob McClure Smith with a story entitled 'Masonry' and was awarded first prize of GBP7,500. Five runners-up were awarded GBP750. Praise for last year's winning entry, 'Masonry', by Rob McClure Smith 'full of bizarre characters, off-beat humour, and excellent writing' - Kara Kellar Bell 'subtle, intense and tense' - Jackie Kay