We are thrilled to announce that DG Unlimited is hosting the 2026 Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship—the first time this prestigious literary residency will take place in the South of Scotland. This year-long opportunity offers one Scotland-based, established writer the rare chance to develop new work in a supported, creatively rich environment, guided by the theme UNFOLDING Scotland.

The Fellowship invites writers working in fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrid forms, spoken word, experimental writing, and graphic fiction to apply for a residency beginning in March 2026. The chosen Fellow will receive a £24,000 stipend, alongside structured support, time in Dumfries and Galloway, and meaningful engagement with our region’s diverse creative community.

Our aim is simple: to offer a year defined by creative freedom, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. We want the Fellow to feel empowered to write, reflect, explore, and imagine—while becoming part of Scotland’s evolving cultural story.

We particularly welcome applications from writers who identify as belonging to any ethnic minority group, are LGBTQIA+, have protected characteristics, or who have recently become residents of Scotland.

Deadline: 5pm, Monday 9 February 2026

DG Unlimited, a creative and cultural network for Dumfries & Galloway, will work with the chosen Fellow to plan a structured year of support and activity, guided by the broad theme: UNFOLDING Scotland. Scotland-based writers of fiction or creative nonfiction, hybrid writing, spoken word, and experimental or graphic fiction can apply for the residency now, to begin March 2026.

Tabitha Mudaliar, DG Unlimited’s Creative Director of said: “We’re so proud to host the 2026 Dr Gavin Wallace Fellow. This is the first time the Fellowship has been hosted in the South of Scotland. Our aim is to create a welcoming environment and respect the Fellow’s autonomy while surrounding them with encouragement, connection, and professional opportunity.

“The DG Unlimited team will ensure the Fellow’s year is defined by creative freedom, supportive dialogue, and a deep sense of belonging to Scotland’s living, diverse cultural landscape. In doing so, we will honour the spirit of the Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship by giving a writer the space to write, reflect, and imagine, and ensure that their voice contributes to the evolving story of who we are as a nation.”

The host is particularly keen to hear from writers who identify as belonging to any ethnic minority group, LGBTQIA+, have protected characteristics or recently become residents in Scotland.

The Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship was established in 2014 honouring the loss of Creative Scotland colleague, Dr Wallace, who dedicated his entire professional life to helping writers and literature organisations in Scotland. Mary Paulson-Ellis, Helen Sedgwick, Maisie Chan, Rachelle Atalla, Jenni Fagan and most recently, Karine Polwart are just some of the appointment Fellows who have benefited in Dr Wallace’s name.

Beth Cochrane, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Each year, the Fellowship and its host provide a rare and unique opportunity for established writers in Scotland to have the space to hugely further their work and development. DG Unlimited joins a stellar line-up of host organisations and, with their strong track record of supporting artists’ careers at all stages, they’re well placed create another successful residency.

“This year’s theme of UNFOLDING Scotland explores belonging and identity in Scotland, asking key questions around heritage, culture, and the varied stories that make up our country. This is shaped by DG Unlimited’s key commitment to representing a diverse nation and will allow this year’s Fellow to share what it means to be Scottish.”

How to Apply

To apply for the Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship 2026, please submit:

1. A cover letter (up to 1,200 words)

Your cover letter should include:

• An outline of the project you wish to develop during the residency.
• Your goals for the year.
• How your project connects to the Fellowship theme: UNFOLDING Scotland.
• How this opportunity would support your creative development and career progression.
• How you would engage with DG Unlimited and the creative community in Dumfries & Galloway and the South of Scotland.

2. Your CV

Please include your writing experience and any publications. Scotland-based, established writers of fiction or creative nonfiction, hybrid writing, spoken word, and experimental or graphic fiction can apply. We warmly encourage applications from writers who identify as belonging to any ethnic minority group, LGBTQIA+, have protected characteristics or who are New Scots and have recently become residents in Scotland.

3. A writing sample (up to 5,000 words)

This should showcase work that best represents your writing. Extracts from longer or published pieces are welcome.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Friday 9 February 2026, 5pm
• Interviews for shortlisted candidates: Week beginning 23 February 2026
  (Interviews may take place in person in Dumfries & Galloway or via MS Teams.)

Where to Send Your Application

Please email your application to:
Tabi Mudaliar, Creative Director
comms.dgu@gmail.com

We will acknowledge receipt of all applications. If you require an alternative format, please get in touch and we will be happy to support you.