2015 Saltire Society Publisher of the Year Award

Established in 2013 and supported by Creative Scotland, the Saltire Society Publisher of the Year Award is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the Scottish publishing industry. Organised by the Saltire Society as an integral part of its annual programme of awards and events, the Award aims to recognise and promote the work of Scottish publishers as a critical component of Scotland's modern literary landscape

This 2015 winner was announced as part of the Saltire Literary Awards ceremony on 26 November. The winner received £4000 to assist its business in its further development. The judges also had the option to award a commendation to a second shortlisted publisher, accompanied by prize money of £500.

Winner of the 2015 Publisher of the Year Award

The winner of the 2015 Publisher of the Year Award was Glasgow-based independent publisher Freight Books. This publisher's focus on high quality fiction and committment to publishing work by established writers, brilliant debuts, short story collections and forgotten classics made them a worthy winner of the Saltire Society's esteemed Publisher of the Year Award.

A member of the judging panel described them as being "clever publishers who produce beautiful books", adding "Although one of the youngest publishers on this shortlist, Freight Books have become a major player in the Scottish publishing industry, offering a platform for new and emerging writers and well established voices alike."

Adrian Searle on accepting the award said, "I'm flabbergasted and delighted to have won," adding, "Publishing is the engine room of culture."

Commendations

As well as choosing one winner, the judges also chose to select two Scottish publishers to be recognised with a Commendation to highlight their excellent work in publishing. 

These commendations were awarded to Edinburgh-based Black & White Publishing and Floris Books.