A Perth High School teacher has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to promoting Scots language in the school.
On Saturday night Kerry Fraser was honoured with the 2021 award for Scots Teacher of the Year at the Scots Language Awards.
The 13 awards were decided by public vote and showcased those who champion Scots’ unique culture, music and words.
Students at Perth High had commented that Mrs Fraser, a teacher in the English department was having “a very profound effect on the perception of Scots language in the school.”
Heather McMahon, PHS principal teacher of English, praised Kerry’s efforts: “Her passion and enthusiasm for Scots language has really driven the development in the department.
“It’s wonderful to see how the students have reacted and the truly amazing thing is that you often see young people popping in to have a few words with Kerry in Scots.
“The award is very well-deserved and it’s fantastic that Kerry’s far-sighted work is being recognised.”
Before she heard of her award success, Mrs Fraser said of being a finalist: “I’ve always been passionate about the cultural and linguistic importance of the Scots language, but in terms of getting the best out of our students in SQA examinations, it is also a vital tool.
“The National 5 and Higher courses for English include a compulsory element on Scottish set text.
“Being able to decode and engage with this type is language gives students a real advantage.”
Mrs Fraser has also worked with students who wished to write in Scots dialect for creative folio pieces and is working towards establishing the SQA Scots language award in the department.
Scots celebrities, artists and speakers gathered in Dundee at Broughty Ferry’s Gardyne Theatre to celebrate culture and language for the awards on held on Saturday, September 25.
Teacher Becky Halliburton from St John’s RC Academy was a finalist in the category that Kerry Fraser won.
Strathallan School's Irene McFarlane was a finalist for Scots Children's Book of the Year with 'The Nicht Afore Christmas' but narrowly missed out to a translation into Scot's of 'The Gruffalo's Child.'
