Former nurse wins Kelpies Prize for Scottish children’s writing

Freelance illustrator and former nurse Hannah Foley has won this year’s Kelpies Prize for her story, The Lost Wizard of Nine Witches Wood.

The prize is given every year for stories set in Scotland and Foley’s winning entry was described as a “quirky whirlwind of an adventure”, featuring shapeshifters, enchanted bicycles, and characters from Scottish mythology, according to organiser Floris Books.

Eleanor Collins, editorial director for Floris Books, said: “With entries about everything from Bonnie Prince Charlie to a haunted lighthouse, the judging team had an extremely difficult but enjoyable task. The Lost Wizard of Nine Witches Wood stood out for its Scottish setting, fantastical thrills and magical heart.”

Foley worked as a nurse for a number of years before going back to school to study illustration at Edinburgh College of Art. She is now a freelance illustrator and lives in Devon.

Floris Books presented Foley with her £2,000 prize at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on Saturday (25th August). Floris will also publish the story as part of its Kelpies imprint.