Entries are invited for the above prize which will be awarded for a poem in Scots. All forms of Scots Language use will be considered. The poem should be around 25 lines in length and should be new, original and unpublished. Entrants may submit up to three poems. Each poem, together with the author's name, address and phone number on the reverse side of the page from the poem, should be sent to the Head of the Department of Scottish Literature, 7 University Gardens, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QH, no later than Tuesday 1 August 2006. Alternatively they may be emailed to features@theherald.co.uk, clearly marked McCash Poetry Competition. The result of the competition will normally be announced in September 2006.

This year, continuing the development initiated in 2003, the McCash Prize is being promoted by Glasgow University with The Herald newspaper. The award will be divided as follows: First Prize (£750), Second Prize (£350), Third Prize (£200) and a 'Young Poet's Prize' of £200 for the best entry from anyone aged 17 or under. Please note your age if you wish to enter your poem for this prize.

The prize was founded in 1973 by James A McCash of Gallowhill, BSc, 1924, FICE, FIMechE, FIEE in memory of his brother Lt Col (TAVR) William Martin McCash, MC, MB, ChB, 1921, JP and of his sister Dr Margaret Stewart Lithgow McCash, MB, ChB, 1924, MD, 1929.

Prizes may be withheld in any year if in the judgement of the selection committee no poem of sufficient merit is submitted.

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First published: 29 June 2006