The William Bonar Poetry Prize 2025
Red Squirrel Press in partnership
with St Mungo’s Mirrorball
2025 Submissions will open on National Poetry Day, Thursday 2nd October 2025. The prize is held in memory of William Bonar, a gifted and well-loved poet and the co-founder of St Mungo’s Mirrorball. He published three titles; his second pamphlet and full collection were published by Red Squirrel Press.
Elligibility
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Entrants should be over 18 years old and currently based in Scotland.
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They should not have had a pamphlet or collection published by a publisher.
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Entry is free but restricted to one entry each year.
Process
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Entries should consist of 10-12 poems, must be the original work of the poet and can be in English, Scots and Gaelic.
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The poems should not be more than five years old.
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Entries should be accompanied by a short biography, 200 words max. Poems and biography to be included as a single document.
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Email entries marked ‘The William Bonar Poetry Prize’ to jimcarruth63@gmail.com.
Judges
Sheila Wakefield, Founder and Editor of Red Squirrel Press
Elizabeth Rimmer (Red Squirrel Press poet, reviewer, editor)
Eleanor Livingstone (Former Director of StAnza)
Padraig MacAoidh (Scotland's National Makar, Gaelic judge)
Lynnda Wardle, writer and William Bonar’s partner
Prize
The winner will receive the following:
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Publication of a pamphlet by Red Squirrel Press.
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Editorial support in developing their pamphlet from Gerry Cambridge, ‘The Dark Horse’ founder, poet, editor, essayist, typesetter and designer. Gerry is Red Squirrel Press' in-house typesetter and designer.
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30 free copies and 50% discount on unlimited further copies.
Closing Date
The Closing date is 31st December 2025 and the winner is expected to be announced on the 17th February 2026, on what would have been William’s birthday.
Previous Winners
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2023 - Julie Laing, the edge of rhizome which was published on National Poetry Day, 2nd October 2025
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2022 - Jane Picton Smith, When The Whooper Swans Come
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2021 - Morag Smith, Background Noises