A Kirkbean poet is celebrating after a short film featuring his work in Scots scooped a major award.
Stuart Paterson was asked by Scottish Water to write a poem celebrating Burns Night for video distribution to its 4,000 employees.
The feedback was so positive the utility entered The Very Dab in the Institute of Internal Communication’s annual awards.
And at a glittering in-person ceremony in London on Friday the film was voted best video/animation of 2021.
A “fair chuffed” Stuart told the News: “The fact that a Scots language entry won a UK-wide competition is brilliant.
“It’s quite a big thing as a lot of big organisations were in the running.”
Stuart, originally from Kilmarnock, had another reason to toast the win – his poem was performed by fellow Ayrshireman Davie Anderson from Maybole.
The cleverly crafted Scots ditty tells how Scottish Water is “jist the dab” at providing pure supplies “fae sluice tae hoose and loch tae croft”.
Stuart said: “Davie was working on Shetland at the time and got filmed on the job reciting the poem.
“Scottish Water were not expecting to win it and they are delighted.”
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We were delighted to be able to use Stuart’s fantastic poem to toast to our employees on Burns Day back in January.
“Our people have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep our vital services running.
“This award winning video was a fitting and fun way to celebrate the achievements of our people.”
The video was also shortlisted at last weekend’s Scots Language Awards in Dundee.
It can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=772960256668867
