The Scottish Poetry Library has launched a new literary prize, the Outstanding Contribution to Poetry in Scotland award. The first winner is Joy Hendry, editor of influential magazine Chapman and a poet in her own right.

The award will be given this year and next, and then become biennial. It was set up to recognise the part played by those whose advocacy for Scottish poetry is not restricted to the writing of poetry itself, and could include in the future publishers, translators, and educators.

Joy Hendry is a Scottish writer and literary critic who is best known for her work as editor of the Scottish literary magazine Chapman. The magazine was founded in 1970 and has been edited by Hendry since 1976. Under her wing it has published fiction, poetry and essays by both established and emerging Scottish writers.