The Edinburgh Award for Flash Fiction is an international writing competition run by the Scottish Arts Trust, open to writers age 16 and older worldwide. Entries are flash fiction of up to 250 words on any topic in any genre, including literary, crime, and romance. Both published and unpublished writers are welcome. The 2026 competition is judged by award-winning author Meg Pokrass. Prizes include £2,000 for first place, £400 for second, £200 for third, a £500 Golden Hare Award for Scotland-based writers, and a £250 Write Mango Award. The top 15 shortlisted stories are published in the Edinburgh Anthology. Entry costs £10 per story; bursary (free) entries are available between May 1 and June 30 for writers who cannot afford the fee.
Scottish Arts Trust
Edinburgh Award for Flash Fiction
OpenWritingEssay Contest
About the Program
Eligibility
Open to writers age 16 and older worldwide, both published and unpublished. Stories must be written in English, up to 250 words, on any topic, and suitable for adult audiences.
Eligible Countries
All countries
How to Apply
Submit via Submittable at scottishartstrust.org. Pay £10 per story, or apply for a bursary (free entry) between May 1-June 30. Multiple entries permitted.