Scottish Poetry Library
@byleaveswelive.bsky.social
The Scottish Poetry Library is Scotland's number one poetry resource both online and in bricks and mortar. We're at 5 Crichton's Close, Edinburgh and we're open to the public Monday-Thursday 10am-3pm. Our online HQ is www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
🎙️ NEW PODCAST
Our podcast host @samueltongue.bsky.social reads & discusses 'thrums' by Thomas A. Clarke - an experimental book-length sequence of minimalist verse. These are meditations on rurality, landscapes, walking in nature, life encountered.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/noth...
Our podcast host @samueltongue.bsky.social reads & discusses 'thrums' by Thomas A. Clarke - an experimental book-length sequence of minimalist verse. These are meditations on rurality, landscapes, walking in nature, life encountered.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/noth...
Nothing But The Poem - Thomas A. Clark
Thomas A Clark's latest poetry collection - thrums - is an experimental book-length sequence of minimalist nature verse. In this podcast Sam examines his own thoughts and experiences when connecting w...
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
December 15, 2025 at 2:53 PM
🎙️ NEW PODCAST
Our podcast host @samueltongue.bsky.social reads & discusses 'thrums' by Thomas A. Clarke - an experimental book-length sequence of minimalist verse. These are meditations on rurality, landscapes, walking in nature, life encountered.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/noth...
Our podcast host @samueltongue.bsky.social reads & discusses 'thrums' by Thomas A. Clarke - an experimental book-length sequence of minimalist verse. These are meditations on rurality, landscapes, walking in nature, life encountered.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/noth...
Vomitorium is a fine word to describe the poetry you published but you wished you hadnt. #NormanMacCaig
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2569593...
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2569593...
Zen Calvinist Norman MacCaig regretted first foray into a vomitorium
This week: Norman MacCaig
www.heraldscotland.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Vomitorium is a fine word to describe the poetry you published but you wished you hadnt. #NormanMacCaig
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2569593...
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2569593...
For no particular reason on this bright December day here's Julie McNeill's poem 'Love Street' from her 2023 collection 'Something Small' ◼️◻️◼️
December 15, 2025 at 11:41 AM
For no particular reason on this bright December day here's Julie McNeill's poem 'Love Street' from her 2023 collection 'Something Small' ◼️◻️◼️
On Thursday evening, from 6pm to 8pm, we will be showcasing in the library the talents of 15 poets from our Next Generation Young Makars initiative. The event is curated by Ria Bronte.
Tickets for 'Velvetine Verses' are free and are available at:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/velvetine-...
Tickets for 'Velvetine Verses' are free and are available at:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/velvetine-...
Velvetine Verses: Scotland's Young Makars Poetry Evening
An evening of poetry and music showcasing poets from four years of our Next Generation Young Makars mentoring scheme. Curated by Ria Smart.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 1:23 PM
On Thursday evening, from 6pm to 8pm, we will be showcasing in the library the talents of 15 poets from our Next Generation Young Makars initiative. The event is curated by Ria Bronte.
Tickets for 'Velvetine Verses' are free and are available at:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/velvetine-...
Tickets for 'Velvetine Verses' are free and are available at:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/velvetine-...
Reposted by Scottish Poetry Library
We have been given a lovely welcome by The Scottish Poetry Library @byleaveswelive.bsky.social for our ‘Welcome Back Breakfast!’. Thank you @carolinegordon.bsky.social for organising for our #UoEpgdep students! 🎄☕️
December 8, 2025 at 9:34 AM
We have been given a lovely welcome by The Scottish Poetry Library @byleaveswelive.bsky.social for our ‘Welcome Back Breakfast!’. Thank you @carolinegordon.bsky.social for organising for our #UoEpgdep students! 🎄☕️
The Scotsman's Poem of the Week
'Self-Reflection in a Window of the Free Presbyterian Church'' by Alan Gillis
'Self-Reflection in a Window of the Free Presbyterian Church'' by Alan Gillis
December 3, 2025 at 11:44 AM
The Scotsman's Poem of the Week
'Self-Reflection in a Window of the Free Presbyterian Church'' by Alan Gillis
'Self-Reflection in a Window of the Free Presbyterian Church'' by Alan Gillis
Today marks the anniversary of Peter Mackay’s first year as Scotland’s Makar. We've put together a list of commissions and engagements in his official capacity as Makar. He has not been idle!
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/makar-year-o...
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/makar-year-o...
Peter Mackay's first year as Scotland's Makar
A comprehensive list of Peter Mackay's engagements and activities in his first year as Makar.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
December 2, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Today marks the anniversary of Peter Mackay’s first year as Scotland’s Makar. We've put together a list of commissions and engagements in his official capacity as Makar. He has not been idle!
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/makar-year-o...
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/makar-year-o...
Computer’s First Christmas Card: a Poetry/Coding workshop
Thur 4 Dec
Mitchell Library, Glasgow.
Free
An introduction to coding and poetry with Michael Mullen and Claire Quigley.
There will also be a chance to see some items from the Edwin Morgan collection.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computers-...
Thur 4 Dec
Mitchell Library, Glasgow.
Free
An introduction to coding and poetry with Michael Mullen and Claire Quigley.
There will also be a chance to see some items from the Edwin Morgan collection.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computers-...
Computer's First Christmas Card: a Poetry/Coding workshop
Poetry Coding Workshop with the Edwin Morgan Collection. An introduction to coding and poetry with Michael Mullen and Claire Quigley.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Computer’s First Christmas Card: a Poetry/Coding workshop
Thur 4 Dec
Mitchell Library, Glasgow.
Free
An introduction to coding and poetry with Michael Mullen and Claire Quigley.
There will also be a chance to see some items from the Edwin Morgan collection.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computers-...
Thur 4 Dec
Mitchell Library, Glasgow.
Free
An introduction to coding and poetry with Michael Mullen and Claire Quigley.
There will also be a chance to see some items from the Edwin Morgan collection.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computers-...
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
6. Maria McManus
Poet Maria McManus will chair the event. She co-curated this edition of Poetry Jukebox, is a member of Irish PEN, and Deputy Chair of Poetry Ireland.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
6. Maria McManus
Poet Maria McManus will chair the event. She co-curated this edition of Poetry Jukebox, is a member of Irish PEN, and Deputy Chair of Poetry Ireland.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
December 2, 2025 at 10:15 AM
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
6. Maria McManus
Poet Maria McManus will chair the event. She co-curated this edition of Poetry Jukebox, is a member of Irish PEN, and Deputy Chair of Poetry Ireland.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
6. Maria McManus
Poet Maria McManus will chair the event. She co-curated this edition of Poetry Jukebox, is a member of Irish PEN, and Deputy Chair of Poetry Ireland.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
📖 BOOK LAUNCH:
Sparks in the Firmament: A New Generation of Gaelic poets
7pm, Dec 6th
40 George Square
Edinburgh University
The event features editor Marcus Mac an Tuairneir in conversation with Niall O'Gallagher, with readings from selected poets.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launc...
Sparks in the Firmament: A New Generation of Gaelic poets
7pm, Dec 6th
40 George Square
Edinburgh University
The event features editor Marcus Mac an Tuairneir in conversation with Niall O'Gallagher, with readings from selected poets.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launc...
Book launch - Sparks in the Firmament: A New Generation of Gaelic poets
Join us to celebrate the launch of Sradagan san Iarmailt, the first new anthology of contemporary Gaelic poetry for over 30 years.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 9:44 AM
📖 BOOK LAUNCH:
Sparks in the Firmament: A New Generation of Gaelic poets
7pm, Dec 6th
40 George Square
Edinburgh University
The event features editor Marcus Mac an Tuairneir in conversation with Niall O'Gallagher, with readings from selected poets.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launc...
Sparks in the Firmament: A New Generation of Gaelic poets
7pm, Dec 6th
40 George Square
Edinburgh University
The event features editor Marcus Mac an Tuairneir in conversation with Niall O'Gallagher, with readings from selected poets.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launc...
We’re celebrating #StAndrewsDay by sharing Hamish MacDonald’s poem, “A Minute’s Applause” - a timely paean to our national game on our national day 🏴😇⚽️
November 30, 2025 at 9:21 AM
We’re celebrating #StAndrewsDay by sharing Hamish MacDonald’s poem, “A Minute’s Applause” - a timely paean to our national game on our national day 🏴😇⚽️
We’re celebrating #StAndrewsDay on Sunday by sharing Hamish MacDonald’s poem, “A Minute’s Applause” - a paean to our national game on our national day 🏴😇⚽️
November 28, 2025 at 8:56 AM
We’re celebrating #StAndrewsDay on Sunday by sharing Hamish MacDonald’s poem, “A Minute’s Applause” - a paean to our national game on our national day 🏴😇⚽️
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
5. ANGELINE KING
Angeline King is the author of three novels. Her poems & short stories have been published widely. Angeline has made a significant contribution to Irish and Scottish literature.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
5. ANGELINE KING
Angeline King is the author of three novels. Her poems & short stories have been published widely. Angeline has made a significant contribution to Irish and Scottish literature.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
November 27, 2025 at 12:27 PM
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
5. ANGELINE KING
Angeline King is the author of three novels. Her poems & short stories have been published widely. Angeline has made a significant contribution to Irish and Scottish literature.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
5. ANGELINE KING
Angeline King is the author of three novels. Her poems & short stories have been published widely. Angeline has made a significant contribution to Irish and Scottish literature.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
Reposted by Scottish Poetry Library
'Sunshine' by Selima Hill was Poem of the Week in The Scotsman Magazine, chosen by @byleaveswelive.bsky.social.
'witty, acerbic, sad, tender, philosophical, beautifully observed ... another groundbreaking work by an important poet at the top of her game, always pushing the envelope of possibility.’
'witty, acerbic, sad, tender, philosophical, beautifully observed ... another groundbreaking work by an important poet at the top of her game, always pushing the envelope of possibility.’
November 21, 2025 at 3:24 PM
'Sunshine' by Selima Hill was Poem of the Week in The Scotsman Magazine, chosen by @byleaveswelive.bsky.social.
'witty, acerbic, sad, tender, philosophical, beautifully observed ... another groundbreaking work by an important poet at the top of her game, always pushing the envelope of possibility.’
'witty, acerbic, sad, tender, philosophical, beautifully observed ... another groundbreaking work by an important poet at the top of her game, always pushing the envelope of possibility.’
Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne, Tam o' Shanter, and 130 other poems and songs at Ellisland Farm. A quarter of his output. The place inspired him and inspires others today. But it badly needs restoration. Watch the short film.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBEd...
Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne, Tam o' Shanter, and 130 other poems and songs at Ellisland Farm. A quarter of his output. The place inspired him and inspires others today. But it badly needs restoration. Watch the short film.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBEd...
Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne, Robert Burns Ellisland Farm
YouTube video by Ellisland Farm
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne, Tam o' Shanter, and 130 other poems and songs at Ellisland Farm. A quarter of his output. The place inspired him and inspires others today. But it badly needs restoration. Watch the short film.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBEd...
Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne, Tam o' Shanter, and 130 other poems and songs at Ellisland Farm. A quarter of his output. The place inspired him and inspires others today. But it badly needs restoration. Watch the short film.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBEd...
Coming soon...
Recording a new poetry film podcast with @samueltongue.bsky.social at @byleaveswelive.bsky.social this afternoon. Great fun!
November 25, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Coming soon...
The Scotsman's Poem of the Week
'The Fitba Multiverse' by Hamish MacDonald
'The Fitba Multiverse' by Hamish MacDonald
November 24, 2025 at 3:20 PM
The Scotsman's Poem of the Week
'The Fitba Multiverse' by Hamish MacDonald
'The Fitba Multiverse' by Hamish MacDonald
RODDY LUMSDEN
The Roddy Lumsden Archive is now open to the public for consultation at University of Edinburgh. The collection consists of the papers of Scottish poet Roddy Lumsden, dating mostly from his time in Edinburgh from mid-1980s to mid-1990s.
archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories...
The Roddy Lumsden Archive is now open to the public for consultation at University of Edinburgh. The collection consists of the papers of Scottish poet Roddy Lumsden, dating mostly from his time in Edinburgh from mid-1980s to mid-1990s.
archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories...
November 24, 2025 at 10:22 AM
RODDY LUMSDEN
The Roddy Lumsden Archive is now open to the public for consultation at University of Edinburgh. The collection consists of the papers of Scottish poet Roddy Lumsden, dating mostly from his time in Edinburgh from mid-1980s to mid-1990s.
archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories...
The Roddy Lumsden Archive is now open to the public for consultation at University of Edinburgh. The collection consists of the papers of Scottish poet Roddy Lumsden, dating mostly from his time in Edinburgh from mid-1980s to mid-1990s.
archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories...
Congratulations to Tim Craven on winning 2025 Poetry Debut Of The Year at #SaltireBookAwards with 'Good Sons' (Blue Diode Publishing).
November 20, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Congratulations to Tim Craven on winning 2025 Poetry Debut Of The Year at #SaltireBookAwards with 'Good Sons' (Blue Diode Publishing).
Congratulations to Anthony Vahni Capildeo on winning 2025 Poetry Book Of The Year at #SaltireBookAwards with 'Polkadot Wounds' (Carcanet Press).
November 20, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Congratulations to Anthony Vahni Capildeo on winning 2025 Poetry Book Of The Year at #SaltireBookAwards with 'Polkadot Wounds' (Carcanet Press).
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
4. STEPHEN DORNAN
His collection of poems Tha Jaa Banes was published by Ulster-Scots Academy Press in 2020 and was nominated for Scots Book of the Year at the Scots Language Awards.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
4. STEPHEN DORNAN
His collection of poems Tha Jaa Banes was published by Ulster-Scots Academy Press in 2020 and was nominated for Scots Book of the Year at the Scots Language Awards.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
November 19, 2025 at 3:02 PM
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
4. STEPHEN DORNAN
His collection of poems Tha Jaa Banes was published by Ulster-Scots Academy Press in 2020 and was nominated for Scots Book of the Year at the Scots Language Awards.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
4. STEPHEN DORNAN
His collection of poems Tha Jaa Banes was published by Ulster-Scots Academy Press in 2020 and was nominated for Scots Book of the Year at the Scots Language Awards.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
BEYOND THE MARGINS
Push the Boat Out poetry festival @ptbopoetry.bsky.social sets sail this weekend. Here's a perfect event to jump on board. Join the Streetreads team launching a new poetry zine, with Julie McNeil & Kevin P. Gilday.
Fri 21st Nov
4-5pm
Pleasance
pushtheboatout.org/events/beyon...
Push the Boat Out poetry festival @ptbopoetry.bsky.social sets sail this weekend. Here's a perfect event to jump on board. Join the Streetreads team launching a new poetry zine, with Julie McNeil & Kevin P. Gilday.
Fri 21st Nov
4-5pm
Pleasance
pushtheboatout.org/events/beyon...
Beyond the Margins - 2025 Push The Boat Out Festival
pushtheboatout.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:44 PM
BEYOND THE MARGINS
Push the Boat Out poetry festival @ptbopoetry.bsky.social sets sail this weekend. Here's a perfect event to jump on board. Join the Streetreads team launching a new poetry zine, with Julie McNeil & Kevin P. Gilday.
Fri 21st Nov
4-5pm
Pleasance
pushtheboatout.org/events/beyon...
Push the Boat Out poetry festival @ptbopoetry.bsky.social sets sail this weekend. Here's a perfect event to jump on board. Join the Streetreads team launching a new poetry zine, with Julie McNeil & Kevin P. Gilday.
Fri 21st Nov
4-5pm
Pleasance
pushtheboatout.org/events/beyon...
The Scottish Poetry Library will close early tomorrow (Wed 19th Nov) at 12pm. Open again as usual on Thursday at 10am.
a man holds up a sign that says finish your book
ALT: a man holds up a sign that says finish your book
media.tenor.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:58 PM
The Scottish Poetry Library will close early tomorrow (Wed 19th Nov) at 12pm. Open again as usual on Thursday at 10am.
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
3. KATHLEEN JAMIE
Scotland's previous Makar! Winner of the Costa and Forward Poetry Prizes and Saltire Book of the Year. Kathleen will be reading and talking about the Poetry Jukebox project.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
3. KATHLEEN JAMIE
Scotland's previous Makar! Winner of the Costa and Forward Poetry Prizes and Saltire Book of the Year. Kathleen will be reading and talking about the Poetry Jukebox project.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
November 18, 2025 at 1:07 PM
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
3. KATHLEEN JAMIE
Scotland's previous Makar! Winner of the Costa and Forward Poetry Prizes and Saltire Book of the Year. Kathleen will be reading and talking about the Poetry Jukebox project.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
3. KATHLEEN JAMIE
Scotland's previous Makar! Winner of the Costa and Forward Poetry Prizes and Saltire Book of the Year. Kathleen will be reading and talking about the Poetry Jukebox project.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
2. PETER MACKAY
Scotland's current Makar! Reading poetry and talking about his involvement with the Poetry Jukebox project.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
2. PETER MACKAY
Scotland's current Makar! Reading poetry and talking about his involvement with the Poetry Jukebox project.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
November 17, 2025 at 3:05 PM
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
2. PETER MACKAY
Scotland's current Makar! Reading poetry and talking about his involvement with the Poetry Jukebox project.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
2. PETER MACKAY
Scotland's current Makar! Reading poetry and talking about his involvement with the Poetry Jukebox project.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...