Neil McCorkindale Creative Writing Competition 2026

Three schools: Crieff High, Perth Grammar and Perth High entered the Rotary Club of Perth Neil McCorkindale Creative Writing Competition in 2026.

All the students and their teacher were invited to lunch with the Rotary Club of Perth members at McDiarmid Park.   Unfortunately the pupils from Perth High were not able to attend due to prefect duties at school.

Once again, the standard of essays written by all the competitors was extremely high. Robin Watt, Rotarian organiser of the competition said “The judging by a group of Rotarians was so tight that long discussions and a final adjudicator was required.”

Ultimately, Oran Kenicer was the worthy winner with a beautifully written and thoughtful analogy of the conflict between independence and security entitled “The Lord is my Shepherd”. It is certainly worth reading.  

Oran received a silver salver and a token for £40 by President Elect Sara Wood.  All student attendees at lunch received the book “Creativity Matters.  Find your Passion for Writing” by Wendy H. Jones. 

The competition began in 2002 initiated by Perth Rotarian Neil McCorkindale, who had been a Rector at Perth Academy

Originally this was open to Secondary 5 and 6 year pupils from local state schools within Perth but, now includes pupils from independent schools in the Perth and Kinross area.