The emphasis of this initiative is on developing new comedy writing talent. BBC Scotland are looking for new comedy writers who are on the verge of breaking through. So if you have written and been paid for sketch writing or smaller writing contributions but have never been commissioned for, or had broadcast, a full sitcom or sketch show on radio or television, you can apply for this initiative.

The mission, should you choose to accept it, is to come up with a self-contained half-hour comedy with series potential. This can be sit-com or broken comedy or your own individual take on a combination of the two, as long as it's funny!

So if you have a masterpiece of a half-hour radio script that you have been working on in the seculsion of your own garret and you think that it has development potential, then send it to us. Enclose a paragraph about how you see a series developing, plus a CV and a covering letter complete with all your contact details to Margaret-Anne Docherty, Room 3178 BBC Scotland, Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow G12 8DG.

Deadline for submissions is 12th March 2004.

The successful applicants will be selected by a panel of judges and offered development time and a commission on Radio Scotland.

The Small Print - Rules for Funny or What?

• Your script, CV and cover letter must be legibly typed
• Your submission must arrive by the 12th March 2004
• BBC Scotland cannot accept scripts by fax or email
• The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into
• Shortlisted candidates may be asked to meet the panel for an informal interview
• Copyright in the source material shall remain with the author and if the BBC wishes to use/develop it (other than for purposes of judging the award) you will be offered a contract or commission in accordance with BBC's standard practices
• The selected comedy scripts will be announced on 31st March 2004

For further information, contact Margaret-Anne Docherty on 0141 338 2235 or email Margaret.docherty@bbc.co.uk