MyGeoparkStory Writing Competition

The North West Highlands Geopark is very excited to launch the MyGeoparkStory writing competition!

We are inviting submissions of original stories from writers of all ages. Your story can be about any subject but must be based on the fantasy map of the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark area. You could write a historical fiction, science fiction, mystery or fantasy story or any other genre that inspires you.

There are not many rules but the stories must be:

  1. Original, unpublished and the work of one person. A parent can type up the entry for a child, but the story must be the child’s work.
  2. 500 words or less. The title is not included in the word count.
  3. Written in prose, that is not a poem or song.
  4. Be typed in Gaelic or English.
  5. Relate to the fantasy map of the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark. You can download for free a special version of the map just for the writing competition (at the bottom of this page). Or you can purchase your own A3 or A2 map print form the Rock Stop Visitor Centre or our online shop.
  6. Any plagiarism of stories from books or films will result in automatic disqualification of the entry.

Only one story per person can be submitted. Do not include your name or any other personal details on your story as they will be judged anonymously.

Stories should an original work of fiction and not recount an historical event. However, you can can use a real, or fictional, person or historical character as a source of inspiration for your story. We don’t mind if your spelling, grammar or punctuation is not perfect – we are interested in your creativity.

The following age groups are invited to enter:

  • Early Level: Age 3 – P1
  • First Level: P2-4
  • Second Level: P5-7
  • Third/Fourth Level: S1-3
  • Senior Phase: S4-6
  • Adults: over 18

All stories will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Originality
  • Plot
  • Characterisation
  • Use of language
  • Enjoyment

Eligibility: Everyone living in the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark area and within the gateway areas of Melness, Tongue & Skerray and Lochbroom. Friends of the Geopark who do not live in the area are also invited to enter. Staff and directors are excluded from the competition.

Fantasy Map download (for competition use only):

MyGeoparkStory Fantasy MapDownload

Stories should be submitted with a completed entry form by 11th October 2024.

ENTRY FORM

Winners will be announced at the end of November 2024. Prizes to be confirmed!