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BOOK TICKETS

300 Words

It's Back... And Now Across Scotland!

2026 ENTRY FORM
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Our 300 Words Story Writing Competition returns for its third year, and for the first time, it’s open to young writers from all across Scotland.

Inspired by our nation’s rich storytelling tradition, we can’t wait to read your imaginative tales. With exciting prizes in every category, grab your pen, let your creativity flow, and become part of Scotland’s story.

The competition is open to all children living in Scotland, aged 7 to 15 so get ready for an amazing literary journey!

Let’s make some incredible stories together!

The Great Tapestry of Scotland, conceived by Sir Alexander McCall Smith, is a visual masterpiece narrating Scotland’s rich history, heritage, and culture.

This monumental community artwork, featuring over 160 panels, captivates the imagination of thousands of children and young people.

Now, the 300 Words competition invites budding young writers of all abilities to weave their fictional tales based on the Tapestry’s many stories.

This competition is open to three available age groups:

  • Category One: Age 7 to 9
  • Category Two: Age 10 to 12
  • Category Three: Age 13 to 15

Stories should be fictional but inspired by the stories found within the Tapestry and a maximum of 300 words. Entries should be emailed to tapestrycompetitions@liveborders.org.uk or entered using the form below, no later than 5pm on Friday 8th May 2026.

For email entries, please ensure the email subject is “300 Words” followed by the age group the entry is for.

Terms & Conditions

  • This competition is open to children aged 7 to 15 who live in Scotland.
  • All entries must be submitted either via the contact form on this page or by email to tapestrycompetitions@liveborders.org.uk, using the official entry form available to download above. Entries must be received by 5.00pm on Friday 8th May 2026.
  • Entries submitted by email must use the subject line “300 Words”, followed by the relevant age group. The completed official entry form must be attached.
  • Finalists in each category will be contacted in advance of the finalist event.
  • All winners will be announced at a special event on Saturday 13th June 2026 at 11.15am, as part of the Borders Book Festival, Melrose, in the Scottish Borders.
  • Winners and their families will be invited to attend, where prizes will be presented by a special guest children’s author.
  • Each category winner will receive a prize of £250 worth of books, which may be shared with their class.

300 Words Entry Form 2026

DOWNLOADABLE ENTRY FORM

Choose An Inspiration Panel:

Entry 4: Jacobite Rising
Entry 6: Fingals Cave
Entry 1: William Wallace
Entry 2: The Forth Railway Bridge
Entry 3: Mary Queen of Scots
Entry 5: Highland and Lowland Clearances
Entry 7: Elsie Inglis

Our 2025 Winners

Be inspired by last years incredible winners.

OUR 2025 WINNERS

OPENING TIMES

  • Open 7 days: 9:30 - 17:00
  • Last entry: 3.30pm
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Every penny you spend with us is reinvested back into supporting the award winning Tapestry for future generations.

As a registered charity even making a small donation would help us to ensure the legacy of our award winning national asset, The People’s Story of Scotland.

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