Scottish Poetry Library
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
- As the caught haggises await their annual slaughter, and Burns Night suppers draw nigh, ye might be looking for something intellectually meaty to read this bonnie January day. So here’s LEVEL VIBE featuring Burns and the Scottish-Jamaica connections. www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/burns-night-...
- Our website servers are primed! Address To A Haggis will get over 100,000 hits this weekend. Plus there are all the other #BurnsNight resources we have online for anyone wanting info about the bard, ideas for suppers, etc. Have a braw wee browse. www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/burns-night/
- We were impressed by the poetry readings presented by pupils of Leith Academy (Edinburgh) and Trinity Comprehensive School, Ballymun (Dublin) at a Burns Supper in Dublin. The theme of the poems was Friendship. The event was produced by the Scottish Government in Ireland.
- Reposted by Scottish Poetry LibrarySome breaking art historical news for you - a lost portrait of Robert Burns by Sir Henry Raeburn was unveiled today at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh. It’s been missing for more than 200 years. 1/3
- An extended SPL podcast featuring poet Valerie Gillies in conversation with @samueltongue.bsky.social and Sukhema (aka Larry Butler) reflecting on her work as a poet and poetry facilitator. www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/in-c...
- The Arts Mix starts in a couple of minutes on BBC Radio Scotland.... 🎙️
- LEVEL VIBES: BURNS NIGHT 2026 will feature on The Arts Mix today between 3.30-4pm. Jamaica's former Poet Laureate Lorna Goodison chats about her relationship with Robert Burns and her time at Burns Ellisand Farm. Dr Stephen Mullen discusses his essay on Burns & Slavery. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
- LEVEL VIBES: BURNS NIGHT 2026 will feature on The Arts Mix today between 3.30-4pm. Jamaica's former Poet Laureate Lorna Goodison chats about her relationship with Robert Burns and her time at Burns Ellisand Farm. Dr Stephen Mullen discusses his essay on Burns & Slavery. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
- Around #BurnsNight our website is the most popular poetry website in the world. 100,000+ hits on Address To A Haggis page alone. (Extra bandwidth required). Our website has resources for anyone planning a haggis, whisky & poetry happening + much more. www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/burns-night/
- Congratulations to Karen Solie on winning the TS Eliot Prize for her most recent collection Wellwater, published by @picadorbooks.bsky.social Karen Solie teaches for half the year at St Andrews University and lives the rest of her time in Canada. Karen is part of @northseapoets.bsky.social group.
- Until 25th January, Stagecoach are running a Burns-themed poetry competition. Entrants are invited to choose one of three classic themes drawn from Burns’ own work - love, nature or buses -for the chance to win a Scottish-themed hamper. Details: www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/stagecoach-i...
- Entries now open for the 2026 Forward Prizes for Poetry. Deadline is Sun 15 Mar 2026. Criteria updated for Best Single Poem. See section before entering this category. Entries must be registered via Submittable platform, including PDFs. Full details: forwardartsfoundation.org/forward-priz...
- Now into their 41st year @poemsonthetube.bsky.social have gone with Shelley's Ozymandias for their Poem of the Week. Can't think why.
- Poetry for Breakfast with Christine De Luca Sat 17 Jan, 10:15am The Scottish Gallery Christine will read selected poems that resonate with themes in The Northern Isles, exploring the island languages, rhythms & histories that shape the artistic imagination. scottish-gallery.co.uk/events/poetr...
- The two poems by Andrea Gibson discussed in the podcast are: 💥 IN THE CHEMO ROOM, I WEAR MITTENS MADE OF ICE SO I DON’T LOSE MY FINGERNAILS. BUT I TOOK A RISK TODAY TO WRITE THIS DOWN. 💥 INSTEAD OF DEPRESSION
- 🎙️ NEW PODCAST! When Andrea Gibson died in 2025 it was a huge loss to the poetry community worldwide. In the latest edition of our regular Nothing But The Poem podcast two of Andrea's poems are read and discussed by host @samueltongue.bsky.social www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/noth...
- 🎙️ NEW PODCAST! When Andrea Gibson died in 2025 it was a huge loss to the poetry community worldwide. In the latest edition of our regular Nothing But The Poem podcast two of Andrea's poems are read and discussed by host @samueltongue.bsky.social www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/noth...
- COMING SOON... Our first Nothing But The Poem podcast will be posted online later today featuring two poems - read and discussed by @samueltongue.bsky.social - by the late, and much missed, poet #AndreaGibson.
- The most 'commented upon' #BurnsNight project initiated by the SPL featured The Trysting Thorns: a group of Scottish women poets who produced nearly a dozen new works, many of which give voice to the women in the bard’s life and work. www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poets-respon...
- Every year the SPL commissions a project for Burns Night on 25 January. Last year it was BURNS NIGHT SKIES: www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/burns-night-... This year LEVEL VIBES explores the links between Scotland & Jamaica through Jamaican poets: www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/burns-night-...
- Every year the SPL commissions a project for Burns Night on 25 January. Last year it was BURNS NIGHT SKIES: www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/burns-night-... This year LEVEL VIBES explores the links between Scotland & Jamaica through Jamaican poets: www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/burns-night-...
- 'Our Ukrainian Robert Burns' Tues 27 Jan. 6.30pm FREE Hanna Dyka talks about translating Robert Burns into Ukrainian and latest bilingual publication of Ukrainian translations of Burns’ poems. Also features recitals of Burns' poetry in Ukrainian and Scots. www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-ce...
- SPECIAL OFFER The lovely folk from Wild Writing have said that from now until Burns Night you can get 10% discount off all ticket prices by entering WILD10 at the Eventbrite checkout.
- WILD WRITING THREAD 1/4 The popular Wild Writing workshops are back for their 3rd series at the Scottish Poetry Library, led again by Lorna French. There are 3 courses to choose from: online or in person at SPL, including subsidised Sundays. For newbies have a listen to this introductory podcast:
- WILD WRITING THREAD 2/4 Using poetry on the themes of peace, sustainability and social justice, listen to the wisdom of poets, before responding on the page. Week 1 Sun Jan 11th - Peace Week 2 Sun Jan 18th - Sustainability Week 3 Sun Jan 25th - Social Justice www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-year-w...
- WILD WRITING THREAD 3/4 Breathe out onto the page. Write, and feel the benefits in this 6 week intimate course. 6 x in-person workshops at the SPL. 1 ticket covers all 6 dates (10th, 17th, 24th Feb; 3rd, 18th, 17th Mar) 10am-11.30am. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wild-writi...
- WILD WRITING THREAD 4/4 Group classes to discover your natural voice. Write, and feel the benefits in this 6 week intimate online (Zoom) course that uses poetry to stimulate and soothe. One ticket covers all six dates (Feb 12,19,26 Mar 5,12,19) 6-7pm. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wild-writi...
- Reposted by Scottish Poetry Library#PoetryScotland welcomes your submissions for Issue 111. A maximum of 3 poems - and please read the *submission guidelines* before you hit 'Send', or we will have to send the Poetry Scotland Submission Compliance Officer round to confiscate your quill. poetryscotland.com/submissions/
- Starts now…
- The groundbreaking public poetry project Poems on the Underground this month celebrate 40 years of sharing poetry with London commuters and travellers. Today at 4pm BBC Radio 4’s Artworks mark the anniversary with a special edition. Follow @poemsonthetube.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
- The Scriptorium at Arbroath Abbey is a fine and bonnie place for a poetry workshop exploring legends and folklore. Rebecca Sharp is hosting two of these on 17 & 24 January, uncovering forgotten, hidden or imagined stories. Details below: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-wor...
- The groundbreaking public poetry project Poems on the Underground this month celebrate 40 years of sharing poetry with London commuters and travellers. Today at 4pm BBC Radio 4’s Artworks mark the anniversary with a special edition. Follow @poemsonthetube.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
- After a festive break the Scottish Poetry Library is back open. It might be cold outside but the only Frost inside is of the Robert variety, so feel free to pop into our warm and friendly reading spaces any time you’re in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
- Reposted by Scottish Poetry LibraryWe're having a merry Edwin Morgan Christmas at the Daily Reckless. After yesterday's Holly and the Willoughby, here he is with his poem, Trio, backed by... Trio! @asls.org.uk @byleaveswelive.bsky.social @edmorgantrust.bsky.social
- 🔊 ONLINE GUIDE TO SCOTTISH POETS This research tool on the Scottish Poetry Library website gets updated every two years. After a process of nomination & selection 15 new poets were chosen to be included. Pages for each, including a selection of their work, will be published early in 2026.
- 🎙️ 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...
- Vomitorium is a fine word to describe the poetry you published but you wished you hadnt. #NormanMacCaig 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' ◼️◻️◼️
- 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-...
- Reposted by Scottish Poetry LibraryWe 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
- 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...
- 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-...
- 📖 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...
- 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 🏴😇⚽️
- 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.’
- 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...
- Coming soon...
- Recording a new poetry film podcast with @samueltongue.bsky.social at @byleaveswelive.bsky.social this afternoon. Great fun!
- The Scotsman's Poem of the Week '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...
- 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).
- 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...
- The Scottish Poetry Library will close early tomorrow (Wed 19th Nov) at 12pm. Open again as usual on Thursday at 10am.
