Awards launched in honour of Scottish novelist Dorothy Dunnett

The Dorothy Dunnett Society and the University of the Highlands & Islands have launched the Dorothy Dunnett Centenary Awards in memory of the Scottish novelist.

The awards, which will comprise two new annual grants for research in history, politics, culture or religion in the 11th, 15th and 16th centuries, aim to “continue the [author’s] long-lasting legacy".

They will include a £1,000 grant to a PhD student and another grant of £500 to a PhD or Master’s student at the UHI. The grants will be funded for the next four years, with a view to extending the funding if the scheme proves successful. The support will "facilitate high-quality research and increase interest of Dorothy Dunnett’s name in academic and literary circles", the organiser’s say.

The topics of the research must fit with the society’s objective of developing and supporting knowledge in Dorothy Dunnett’s areas of interest, to foster understanding and appreciation of her work.

Simon Hedges, chair of the Dorothy Dunnett Society, said: “By launching the Dorothy Dunnett Centenary Awards we invite scholars to unravel these intricate and fascinating periods of history. As Dorothy Dunnett’s books prove, a closer look at these societies can shed light on the foundations of our modern society.

“We hope to not only increase the circle of Dunnett’s fans, but also contribute to our shared understanding of these key moments in our shared history.”