Fiona Rintoul wins the first Gillian Purvis Award for New Writing
Liz Lochhead congratulated Fiona Rintoul on winning the first Gillian Purvis Award for New Award on 30 May 2008, as the trust's chairman, Toby Paterson, handed over the £1,500 award. Fiona intends to use the money to allocate exclusive time to her writing and for a research trip to Germany, where her novel-in-progress is set.
The new award was set up with the help of Liz Lochhead. For some time, the trustees of the Gillian Purvis Trust have been aiming to expand the scope of the trust's awards by giving an award for creative writing, a particular interest of the late Gillian Purvis. When Toby Paterson was introduced to Liz Lochhead earlier this year, plans fell into place.
On announcing the winner, Toby Paterson said: "From a impressive range of writing submitted to the trustees, Fiona emerged as the outstanding winner. I'm really pleased that the trust can help her towards the conclusion of her novel."
Toby Paterson also thanked Liz Lochhead for her help. "The trustees were delighted when Liz Lochhead came on board to help set up this annual award," he said. "Her experience in the field and her infectious enthusiasm, not to mention hours of work, have been central to the success of its launch."
Photo: James Galloway
The Gillian Purvis Trust was set up in 2004 after Gillian Purvis died in a fire at the home she shared with her partner, artist Toby Paterson. The trust was set up to celebrate their shared interest in the creative arts. Initially focused on the Department of Textiles at the Glasgow School of Art, the trust continues to make specific annual awards to third and fourth year students. In addition to the new Award for New Writing, discussions are underway on expanding the trust's awards programme further.