Pupils and staff at Holy Cross High in Hamilton are celebrating after their book-themed podcast, The Reading Cafe, won the emerging talent category at the Scottish Podcast Awards. The series, produced by fifth-year students under English teacher Peter Kelly, has also been longlisted in the interview category of the British Podcast Awards, competing against names such as Louis Theroux, Rylan, and Pete Wicks.
Podcast Origins and Growth
Launched in October 2021, The Reading Cafe was inspired by a desire to foster conversations about reading during the pandemic. The podcast features interviews with leading authors of children's and young adult fiction, including Lanarkshire's Marvel comic writer Mark Millar, historian Alice Loxton, and Orwell Prize-winning writer Darren McGarvey. The team of around 15 S5 pupils also handles photography, filming, and social media, and can earn a National Progression Award in journalism, equivalent to a C-grade Higher.
Award-Winning Entry
The winning entry to the Scottish Podcast Awards included an interview with UK Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell Boyce, a SpotLit feature with singer-songwriter Alaska Reid, and a live event at the Edinburgh Festival with author Nathanael Lessore. Judges praised the podcast, stating: "This inspiring podcast celebrates the diversity of the children's book world, from authors and illustrators to festivals and young readers, with outstanding interviewees and impressive professionalism from its young hosts."
Student Reactions
Team members described the win as "an incredible achievement," adding: "Not only does it show our hard work and Mr Kelly's but also the talent of young students, proving kids can do just as well as adults and shouldn't be underestimated." They noted that "the wider industry is finally taking independent and student-run podcasts and media seriously."
Teacher's Vision
Peter Kelly, who collected the prize from hosts Marc Jennings and broadcaster Kaye Adams in Glasgow, said: "Many people reacquainted themselves with the joy of reading during lockdown, but I recognised that young people had lost the opportunity to have real-life conversations about their reading." He added: "I wanted to bring young people together with writers to add a personal connection to the literature being created for them. The truly exciting thing is there is no limit to where it can go."
Upcoming Events
The Reading Cafe team is preparing for a live episode at the Edinburgh Book Festival's teen takeover day next month, following successful live shows with author Ross MacKenzie and Belle and Sebastian musician Stuart Murdoch. They have also collaborated with former Holy Cross pupil Paul Morris of Marlo Pictures to produce videos interviewing authors nominated for the young adult book prize.
School Pride
Head teacher Carla Fagan said the school community is "incredibly proud" of the team, calling the British Podcast Awards longlisting "an extraordinary achievement, particularly given the calibre of the competition." She praised Peter Kelly's "vision, commitment, and unwavering belief in the potential of our young people." The British Podcast Awards, which include an online vote, will take place in October.
