Hadfield wins Highland Book Prize for ‘extraordinary’ poetry collection

Jen Hadfield’s poetry collection The Stone Age (Picador) has won the Highland Book Prize. 

Presented by the Highland Society of London, the winning title was announced at a celebration of Highland talent and culture, livestreamed from Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s creative writing centre, high in the hills above Loch Ness. 

Alex Ogilvie, trustee of the Highland Society of London and chair of the judging panel, said: “The judges undoubtedly had a difficult job selecting one winner from such a high calibre longlist and shortlist, but were ultimately unanimous in their decision. The Stone Age does a rare thing in that every poem in the collection brings a fresh perspective to the reader; Hadfield makes the ordinary quite extraordinary. This is a special collection that we are delighted to honour with the Highland Book Prize.” 

Hadfield said: “I was so glad to be part of this moving and important shortlist. I am deeply appreciative of this prize and so happy to celebrate it at Moniack Mhor.” 

Rachel Humphries, centre director at Moniack Mhor, added: “This was a magical evening and such a fitting way to celebrate some of the finest literature of the year created in or about the Scottish Highlands.”