February winners – adult writers

For February, we asked for 50 word fiction stories featuring a fox.

Congratulations to the winners of our February competition. Feeling inspired? Have a go at this month's prompt.

Adult winner

Lisa Caple

By the blackthorn, by the bramble, through the mist I spy white binocular eyes. From a peripheral russet smudge, my imagination crafts a cunning, slinky red wild-dog. The fabled Mr Tod pads then pauses, in flower gloves and slippers of pink. Blink, and my rusty fancy’s faded. Wily old fox!

Gaelic winner

Aodhán Mac Ruaidhrí

Tabhann nan con. Beuc nan còrn. Bualadh casan nan each, neòil shalachair dhorch’ mun cuairt orra. Plosgartaich a chrìdhe. Plosgartaich a chrìdhe. Còtaichean dearga, cho dearg ris an fhuil. Aodainnean ruadha, cluasan biorach, agus sròin dubha. Earbaill a’ sèideadh sa ghaoith. ‘Abair cultar’, smaoinich an duine, ’s iad ga ruaig.

Translation by the Gaelic Books Council

The baying of the hounds. The blare of the horns. The pounding of the horses’ hooves, dark clouds of filth around them. The pounding of his heart. The pounding of his heart. Red coats. As red as blood. Ruddy faces, pointed ears and a black nose. Tails waving in the breeze. “What culture,” thought the man, as they pursued it.