The Saltire Society is one of Scotland’s leading supporters of culture. For almost 90 years we have been committed to Scottish innovation and creativity, from social housing design and literature to public art and emerging creatives. Today, the Saltire Society upholds its founding principles of inspiring culture and platforming responsible debate for contemporary Scotland. The Society has a broad international outlook and is not affiliated with any political party.

The Saltire Society acts as a catalyst to make things happen in Scotland. We want to champion the best new ideas and help bring them to fruition.

Our awards programme includes The Fletcher of Saltoun Awards, rewarding the contributions of individuals working in Arts and Humanities, Science, and Public Life, and the Outstanding Women of Scotland and 40 Under 40 communities, through which we work to promote specific contributions to Scottish life.

The Saltires: Scotland’s National Book Awards were inaugurated in 1937 with the specific aim of raising awareness of Scottish literary talent, and today serve as Scotland’s National Book Awards. Past Book of the Year winners include the cream of Scottish literary talent, from Neil Gunn and Muriel Spark to William McIlvanney, Michel Faber and John Burnside. The First Book Prize was introduced in 1988 and serves as a reliable barometer for major new talent, with past winners including Clare Hunter, Mick Kitson and Chitra Ramaswamy.