3 December 2007

Double Saltire success for Dundee authors

The College of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Dundee has scored a notable double success in the annual Saltire Society Literary Awards.

The awards, among the most prestigious literary prizes in the country, saw Professor Chris Whatley and Dr David Robb both celebrate St Andrews Day by seeing their books named winners.

Professor Whatley, Head of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, was the winner of the Scottish History Book of the Year for his book `The Scots and The Union', which revealed new insights into the formation of the Union in 1707.

Dr Robb, senior lecturer in English, topped the Best Research Book category with `Auld Campaigner: A life of Alexander Scott', the first major biography of a hugely influential figure in the Scottish literary scene in the 20th century.

Dr Robb shared the first prize with `Scotland's Books', Robert Crawford's epic history of Scottish literature.

"This is a fantastic achievement by both Professor Whatley and Dr Robb," said Sir Alan Langlands, Principal of the University.

"It is also a real feather in the cap for the College of Arts and Social Sciences to see two of our academic authors honoured in these prestigious awards in one year."

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