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
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 🏴😇⚽️
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).
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.
The Scotsman's Poem of the Week
'Sunshine' by Selima Hill
'Sunshine' by Selima Hill
November 17, 2025 at 11:47 AM
The Scotsman's Poem of the Week
'Sunshine' by Selima Hill
'Sunshine' by Selima Hill
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
1. THE POETRY JUKEBOX
The main attraction! The SPL will host the Poetry Jukebox, home to new recordings of poems responding to the work of Robert Burns and his 18thC contemporaries in Ulster.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/scottish-p...
1. THE POETRY JUKEBOX
The main attraction! The SPL will host the Poetry Jukebox, home to new recordings of poems responding to the work of Robert Burns and his 18thC contemporaries in Ulster.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/scottish-p...
November 17, 2025 at 10:45 AM
6 Reasons To Come To The Launch of the Poetry Jukebox
1. THE POETRY JUKEBOX
The main attraction! The SPL will host the Poetry Jukebox, home to new recordings of poems responding to the work of Robert Burns and his 18thC contemporaries in Ulster.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/scottish-p...
1. THE POETRY JUKEBOX
The main attraction! The SPL will host the Poetry Jukebox, home to new recordings of poems responding to the work of Robert Burns and his 18thC contemporaries in Ulster.
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/scottish-p...
BEYOND THE MARGINS
Streetreads are launching “A Place We Can Go”, a poetry zine written and designed by the people who use Streetreads - at Push The Boat Out poetry festival.
Date: 21st Nov, 4pm
Venue: The Pleasance: Upper Hall
MORE ON STREETREADS:
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/streetread...
Streetreads are launching “A Place We Can Go”, a poetry zine written and designed by the people who use Streetreads - at Push The Boat Out poetry festival.
Date: 21st Nov, 4pm
Venue: The Pleasance: Upper Hall
MORE ON STREETREADS:
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/streetread...
November 17, 2025 at 9:49 AM
BEYOND THE MARGINS
Streetreads are launching “A Place We Can Go”, a poetry zine written and designed by the people who use Streetreads - at Push The Boat Out poetry festival.
Date: 21st Nov, 4pm
Venue: The Pleasance: Upper Hall
MORE ON STREETREADS:
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/streetread...
Streetreads are launching “A Place We Can Go”, a poetry zine written and designed by the people who use Streetreads - at Push The Boat Out poetry festival.
Date: 21st Nov, 4pm
Venue: The Pleasance: Upper Hall
MORE ON STREETREADS:
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/streetread...
Reposted by Scottish Poetry Library
You can now order 'Stramash' from the @byleaveswelive.bsky.social shop. It's a truly lovely book filled with a wide range of poetic voices.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/shop/books/s...
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/shop/books/s...
Stramash
Born from the dedicated monthly meetings of the Edinburgh School of Poets, this anthology represents a blossoming of their unique, peer-driven process.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 1:41 PM
You can now order 'Stramash' from the @byleaveswelive.bsky.social shop. It's a truly lovely book filled with a wide range of poetic voices.
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/shop/books/s...
www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/shop/books/s...
Kathleen Jamie and Peter Mackay headline a special event at the Scottish Poetry Library to welcome the Poetry Jukebox to Scotland.
Date: 4 Dec
6.30pm-8pm
Details/Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
Date: 4 Dec
6.30pm-8pm
Details/Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
November 13, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Kathleen Jamie and Peter Mackay headline a special event at the Scottish Poetry Library to welcome the Poetry Jukebox to Scotland.
Date: 4 Dec
6.30pm-8pm
Details/Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
Date: 4 Dec
6.30pm-8pm
Details/Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
Reposted by Scottish Poetry Library
Tonight at 7.15 on Radio 3. Writer’s block, dry spell, fallow period, worrisome silence, that terrifying, lonely time when you *cannot* write a poem. I speak to Liz Berry, Oliver Carmichael, Hannah Copley, Marie Howe, Vanessa Kisuule and Jack Underwood! www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 3 - Sunday Feature, When the Words Leave
The poet Caroline Bird explores the silences when it feels like the words have left you.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Tonight at 7.15 on Radio 3. Writer’s block, dry spell, fallow period, worrisome silence, that terrifying, lonely time when you *cannot* write a poem. I speak to Liz Berry, Oliver Carmichael, Hannah Copley, Marie Howe, Vanessa Kisuule and Jack Underwood! www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Reposted by Scottish Poetry Library
Push the Boat Out 2025 is here! You can browse our programme, download a brochure, and book now 📣 🛶🎫
This year’s festival sets sail from 20-23 November with a bold mix of poetry, performance, music and art in a sparkling celebration of words in all their forms. pushtheboatout.org/programme/
This year’s festival sets sail from 20-23 November with a bold mix of poetry, performance, music and art in a sparkling celebration of words in all their forms. pushtheboatout.org/programme/
October 8, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Push the Boat Out 2025 is here! You can browse our programme, download a brochure, and book now 📣 🛶🎫
This year’s festival sets sail from 20-23 November with a bold mix of poetry, performance, music and art in a sparkling celebration of words in all their forms. pushtheboatout.org/programme/
This year’s festival sets sail from 20-23 November with a bold mix of poetry, performance, music and art in a sparkling celebration of words in all their forms. pushtheboatout.org/programme/
#ScottishPoetryEvents
As Push The Boat Out poetry festival draws closer (20-23 Nov) make your plans! There's way too many superb poets & events to select highlights here, however (if pushed) dont miss this event featuring Scotland's Makar, Peter Mackay...
pushtheboatout.org/events/the-p...
As Push The Boat Out poetry festival draws closer (20-23 Nov) make your plans! There's way too many superb poets & events to select highlights here, however (if pushed) dont miss this event featuring Scotland's Makar, Peter Mackay...
pushtheboatout.org/events/the-p...
The Pleasures and Power of Reading, with Peter Mackay - 2025 Push The Boat Out Festival
pushtheboatout.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
#ScottishPoetryEvents
As Push The Boat Out poetry festival draws closer (20-23 Nov) make your plans! There's way too many superb poets & events to select highlights here, however (if pushed) dont miss this event featuring Scotland's Makar, Peter Mackay...
pushtheboatout.org/events/the-p...
As Push The Boat Out poetry festival draws closer (20-23 Nov) make your plans! There's way too many superb poets & events to select highlights here, however (if pushed) dont miss this event featuring Scotland's Makar, Peter Mackay...
pushtheboatout.org/events/the-p...
#ScottishPoetryEvents
Tapsalteerie Books Presents...
📖 Stewart Sanderson
📖 Taylor Strickland
Date: Fri 14 Nov, 6.30pm
Venure: Fruitmarket Gallery
Tapsalteerie Books Presents...
📖 Stewart Sanderson
📖 Taylor Strickland
Date: Fri 14 Nov, 6.30pm
Venure: Fruitmarket Gallery
November 11, 2025 at 3:14 PM
#ScottishPoetryEvents
Tapsalteerie Books Presents...
📖 Stewart Sanderson
📖 Taylor Strickland
Date: Fri 14 Nov, 6.30pm
Venure: Fruitmarket Gallery
Tapsalteerie Books Presents...
📖 Stewart Sanderson
📖 Taylor Strickland
Date: Fri 14 Nov, 6.30pm
Venure: Fruitmarket Gallery
Reposted by Scottish Poetry Library
Velvetine Verses: Scotland’s Young Makars Poetry Evening
11 Dec, Edinburgh. Free, ticketed
An evening of poetry & music showcasing poets from four years of the @byleaveswelive.bsky.social’s Next Generation Young Makars mentoring scheme. Curated by Ria Smart.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/velvetine-...
11 Dec, Edinburgh. Free, ticketed
An evening of poetry & music showcasing poets from four years of the @byleaveswelive.bsky.social’s Next Generation Young Makars mentoring scheme. Curated by Ria Smart.
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
November 6, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Velvetine Verses: Scotland’s Young Makars Poetry Evening
11 Dec, Edinburgh. Free, ticketed
An evening of poetry & music showcasing poets from four years of the @byleaveswelive.bsky.social’s Next Generation Young Makars mentoring scheme. Curated by Ria Smart.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/velvetine-...
11 Dec, Edinburgh. Free, ticketed
An evening of poetry & music showcasing poets from four years of the @byleaveswelive.bsky.social’s Next Generation Young Makars mentoring scheme. Curated by Ria Smart.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/velvetine-...
The Scotsman’s Poem of the Week
‘Fox’ by Ian Hamilton Finlay
‘Fox’ by Ian Hamilton Finlay
November 10, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The Scotsman’s Poem of the Week
‘Fox’ by Ian Hamilton Finlay
‘Fox’ by Ian Hamilton Finlay
Reposted by Scottish Poetry Library
📣 THE POETRY JUKEBOX IS COMING TO SCOTLAND!
Join us on 4th Dec for an evening of readings and lively discussion as we explore the rich cultural & linguistic links between Scotland & Ulster, with:
🎙️ Peter Mackay
🎙️ Kathleen Jamie
🎙️ Stephen Dornan
🎙️ Angeline King
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
Join us on 4th Dec for an evening of readings and lively discussion as we explore the rich cultural & linguistic links between Scotland & Ulster, with:
🎙️ Peter Mackay
🎙️ Kathleen Jamie
🎙️ Stephen Dornan
🎙️ Angeline King
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
Poetry Jukebox Launch: Fragments of Scotch Poetry
To mark the installation of the poetry jukebox we present four poets involved in the Linen Hall Library's Fragments of Scotch Poetry project
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 11:40 AM
📣 THE POETRY JUKEBOX IS COMING TO SCOTLAND!
Join us on 4th Dec for an evening of readings and lively discussion as we explore the rich cultural & linguistic links between Scotland & Ulster, with:
🎙️ Peter Mackay
🎙️ Kathleen Jamie
🎙️ Stephen Dornan
🎙️ Angeline King
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
Join us on 4th Dec for an evening of readings and lively discussion as we explore the rich cultural & linguistic links between Scotland & Ulster, with:
🎙️ Peter Mackay
🎙️ Kathleen Jamie
🎙️ Stephen Dornan
🎙️ Angeline King
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-juk...
Page Against The Machine
Generative AI boss is in the dock. Authors work has been stolen. An AI judge presides. But who is the guilty party?
Last 2 shows today 4pm and 7pm at SPL
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/page-again...
Generative AI boss is in the dock. Authors work has been stolen. An AI judge presides. But who is the guilty party?
Last 2 shows today 4pm and 7pm at SPL
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/page-again...
Page Against The Machine
A comedy-drama about AI by Clare Duffy (Civic Digits Theatre Company), brought to the SPL as part of the Being Human Festival
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Page Against The Machine
Generative AI boss is in the dock. Authors work has been stolen. An AI judge presides. But who is the guilty party?
Last 2 shows today 4pm and 7pm at SPL
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/page-again...
Generative AI boss is in the dock. Authors work has been stolen. An AI judge presides. But who is the guilty party?
Last 2 shows today 4pm and 7pm at SPL
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/page-again...
AYE WRITE FESTIVAL
Another Aye Write event this weekend that might appeal to poets: an Open Mic night at the Mitchell Library on Friday 7th Nov orgainsed by the Federation of Writers (Scotland).
FREE although tickets should be booked through Aye Write website (£1.50)
Another Aye Write event this weekend that might appeal to poets: an Open Mic night at the Mitchell Library on Friday 7th Nov orgainsed by the Federation of Writers (Scotland).
FREE although tickets should be booked through Aye Write website (£1.50)
November 6, 2025 at 2:41 PM
AYE WRITE FESTIVAL
Another Aye Write event this weekend that might appeal to poets: an Open Mic night at the Mitchell Library on Friday 7th Nov orgainsed by the Federation of Writers (Scotland).
FREE although tickets should be booked through Aye Write website (£1.50)
Another Aye Write event this weekend that might appeal to poets: an Open Mic night at the Mitchell Library on Friday 7th Nov orgainsed by the Federation of Writers (Scotland).
FREE although tickets should be booked through Aye Write website (£1.50)
ICYMI 5 months ago:
Here's two excellent poets - Roddy Lumsden and Kate Clanchy - in conversation in 2003 with former SPL Director Robyn Marsack.
Here's two excellent poets - Roddy Lumsden and Kate Clanchy - in conversation in 2003 with former SPL Director Robyn Marsack.
RODDY LUMSDEN
Today would have been Roddy Lumsden's birthday so we're posting a 2003 recording - found recently by his friend Mark Reed - of Roddy in conversation at EIBF with fellow poet Kate Clanchy. Chaired by former Director of the SPL, Robyn Marsack.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uUW...
Today would have been Roddy Lumsden's birthday so we're posting a 2003 recording - found recently by his friend Mark Reed - of Roddy in conversation at EIBF with fellow poet Kate Clanchy. Chaired by former Director of the SPL, Robyn Marsack.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uUW...
Kate Clanchy and Roddy Lumsden at the Edinburgh Book Festival - 19th August 2003
YouTube video by Mark Reed
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:58 PM
ICYMI 5 months ago:
Here's two excellent poets - Roddy Lumsden and Kate Clanchy - in conversation in 2003 with former SPL Director Robyn Marsack.
Here's two excellent poets - Roddy Lumsden and Kate Clanchy - in conversation in 2003 with former SPL Director Robyn Marsack.