Dollar author on award shortlist for debut novel

Keith Broomfield, who writes the On the Wild Side column for the Advertiser, has been selected as a finalist in the First Book category of Scotland's National Book Awards 2021.

Published by Tippermuir Books, Keith's book If Rivers Could Sing is a personal Scottish river journey, where Keith delves deeper into his own local river to explore its abundant wildlife and to get closer to its wild beating heart.

Among the creatures featured are beavers, otters, kingfishers, and salmon and the book also focuses on the Devon's historical past, where its tributary burns helped to power the mills along the Hillfoots villages.

This, along with coal mining and other industrialisation put huge pollution pressure on the river and its wildlife in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Keith said: "If Rivers Could Sing is all about getting close to nature and connecting with our precious environment.

"I am thrilled it has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award, which I hope will provide encouragement to other first-time book writers to pick up a pen and get writing."

Tippermuir Books' Paul Philippou added: "We were delighted when Scotland's National Book Awards returned after a year's absence.

"They are a vital part of Scotland's literary fabric.

"To have If Rivers Could Sing shortlisted for one of the awards is wonderful – we are delighted for Keith.

"It is also great for Tippermuir to be in this position – it is an achievement upon which we will build."

Keith's latest book, A Scottish Wildlife Odyssey, which is a travel journey in search of Scotland's wild secrets, will be published in February 2022.

The Scotland's National Book Awards 2021 is organised by the Saltire Society of Scotland and the winners of the awards will be announced on Saturday, November 27.

If Rivers Could Sing is available to buy at The Sorting Office in Dollar and Guid Reads in Alva.

It can also be purchased at tippermuirbooks.co.uk and other online sellers and book shops.