BUDDING writers are being invited by Scottish Book Trust to attend a free workshop next month as part of the Scotland’s Stories of Home project.

The initiative aims to encourage people across Scotland to put pen to paper and write what their country really means to them.

And the Scottish Book Trust wants to build a written picture of the true meaning of home.

It could be family, friends or a community. It could be a smell, a taste, a sound or sensation. The project is running from now to June 30 and a selection of submissions will be published during Book Week 2014.

Writers of all skill levels are encouraged to attend the Hawick workshop, run by author Des Dillon in the Heart of Hawick Heritage Hub on Saturday May 24 between 1pm and 3pm.

Des told us: “I’m really excited about this year’s project.

“Last year the theme was an object of meaning. A woman in Aberdeen brought along a vase her father had been given as a gift in Hiroshima. This vase had a handle missing and that handle had been broken off by the Hiroshima bomb.

“The story she told could be a bestselling, award-winning novel. There are so many untold stories in Scotland - let’s see what we uncover this year.” For writers who might be struggling to find inspiration, or are looking for some advice and guidance, the workshop will provide a relaxed environment and the opportunity to work with an established author to develop their ideas and get their stories down on paper.

Marc Lambert, Director of Scottish Book Trust, said: “People find peace and security in many different kinds of spaces and places.

“The people who call Scotland home know that it is a place of great variety, interest, charm and inspiration, but what exactly in this 'stern and wild’ land makes them feel they are at home and why? To me, the indispensible ingredient for creating that feeling of home is some connection that goes beyond the present to connect us to a history and a landscape which we actively feel part of, and which therefore has become a part of us.” To book a place for the free workshop, phone 0131 524 0182 or email Scotland’s Stories of Home storiesofhome@scottishbooktrust.com