Association for Scottish Literature
@asls.org.uk
Educational charity promoting the reading, writing, teaching & study of Scotland's literature & languages, past & present.
https://asls.org.uk
https://asls.org.uk
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New Writing Scotland 43
Edited by Kirstin Innes, Chris Powici & Niall O’Gallagher Published in: Paperback, 184 pages By: Association for Scottish Literature, Glasgow, August 2025 Price: £9.95 ISBN: 9781906841669 Cover image…
asls.org.uk
A CHAOS OF LIGHT
New Writing Scotland 43
Ed. Kirstin Innes, Chris Powici & Niall O’Gallagher
“writing that unsettles and challenges, that questions assumptions…A rich, boisterous, tender, charming, angry, sorrowful, gleeful mix”
Available now from all good bookshops!
💙📚
asls.org.uk/publications...
New Writing Scotland 43
Ed. Kirstin Innes, Chris Powici & Niall O’Gallagher
“writing that unsettles and challenges, that questions assumptions…A rich, boisterous, tender, charming, angry, sorrowful, gleeful mix”
Available now from all good bookshops!
💙📚
asls.org.uk/publications...
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
Thank you, Omar El Akkad, for your powerful words of truth & resistance.
"If we are to do this work of language, we have an obligation to stand in opposition to any force...that if left unchecked would happily decimate every principle of free expression & connection that we come here to celebrate."
"If we are to do this work of language, we have an obligation to stand in opposition to any force...that if left unchecked would happily decimate every principle of free expression & connection that we come here to celebrate."
Omar El Akkad spoke after winning the 2025 National Book Award for nonfiction for “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This,” his book on the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. He accepted the award at a gala in New York City this week.
November 24, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Thank you, Omar El Akkad, for your powerful words of truth & resistance.
"If we are to do this work of language, we have an obligation to stand in opposition to any force...that if left unchecked would happily decimate every principle of free expression & connection that we come here to celebrate."
"If we are to do this work of language, we have an obligation to stand in opposition to any force...that if left unchecked would happily decimate every principle of free expression & connection that we come here to celebrate."
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
I'm heading to Waterstones Nottingham Thursday. Come along and hear Marisa and me discuss Ambrose Parry and the forthcoming Quite Ugly One Evening.
www.waterstones.com/.../an-eveni...
www.waterstones.com/.../an-eveni...
November 24, 2025 at 6:05 PM
I'm heading to Waterstones Nottingham Thursday. Come along and hear Marisa and me discuss Ambrose Parry and the forthcoming Quite Ugly One Evening.
www.waterstones.com/.../an-eveni...
www.waterstones.com/.../an-eveni...
The night tinkles like ice in glasses.
Leaves are glued to the pavement with frost.
The brown air fumes at the shop windows,
Tries the doors, and sidles past…
—Norman MacCaig, “November Night”
published in The Poems of Norman MacCaig (Birlinn, 2011)
#poem #poetry
birlinn.co.uk/product/the-...
Leaves are glued to the pavement with frost.
The brown air fumes at the shop windows,
Tries the doors, and sidles past…
—Norman MacCaig, “November Night”
published in The Poems of Norman MacCaig (Birlinn, 2011)
#poem #poetry
birlinn.co.uk/product/the-...
November 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
The night tinkles like ice in glasses.
Leaves are glued to the pavement with frost.
The brown air fumes at the shop windows,
Tries the doors, and sidles past…
—Norman MacCaig, “November Night”
published in The Poems of Norman MacCaig (Birlinn, 2011)
#poem #poetry
birlinn.co.uk/product/the-...
Leaves are glued to the pavement with frost.
The brown air fumes at the shop windows,
Tries the doors, and sidles past…
—Norman MacCaig, “November Night”
published in The Poems of Norman MacCaig (Birlinn, 2011)
#poem #poetry
birlinn.co.uk/product/the-...
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
Impossible how good reading is. You mean I just point my face at the paper for a bit and it does a whole update on my brain?
November 23, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Impossible how good reading is. You mean I just point my face at the paper for a bit and it does a whole update on my brain?
Reading Scotland with Margaret Bennet
Why Scotland Celebrates St Andrew's Day
2 Dec, online – free
Dr Margaret Bennet talks about the relevance of celebrating St Andrew’s Day today & dives into the origins of this national holiday
www.scotland.uni-mainz.de/reading-scot...
Why Scotland Celebrates St Andrew's Day
2 Dec, online – free
Dr Margaret Bennet talks about the relevance of celebrating St Andrew’s Day today & dives into the origins of this national holiday
www.scotland.uni-mainz.de/reading-scot...
November 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Reading Scotland with Margaret Bennet
Why Scotland Celebrates St Andrew's Day
2 Dec, online – free
Dr Margaret Bennet talks about the relevance of celebrating St Andrew’s Day today & dives into the origins of this national holiday
www.scotland.uni-mainz.de/reading-scot...
Why Scotland Celebrates St Andrew's Day
2 Dec, online – free
Dr Margaret Bennet talks about the relevance of celebrating St Andrew’s Day today & dives into the origins of this national holiday
www.scotland.uni-mainz.de/reading-scot...
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
Far too many to choose from, the man is an actual comic genius, but the 1985 TV special An Audience With Billy Connolly is one of the most relentlessly hilarious stand-up comedy sets ever captured on tape. A masterclass.
"Saddle up and ride your pony..."
"Saddle up and ride your pony..."
Happy Birthday, Billy.
Terry feels proud knowing they’re from the same place as one of the world’s greatest comedians.
What’s YOUR favourite Billy Connolly routine?
#BillyConnolly
Terry feels proud knowing they’re from the same place as one of the world’s greatest comedians.
What’s YOUR favourite Billy Connolly routine?
#BillyConnolly
November 24, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Far too many to choose from, the man is an actual comic genius, but the 1985 TV special An Audience With Billy Connolly is one of the most relentlessly hilarious stand-up comedy sets ever captured on tape. A masterclass.
"Saddle up and ride your pony..."
"Saddle up and ride your pony..."
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
New interview with me in The Black Stone Magazine ( Das Magazin für Fantasy, Horror und SF )
In English: blackbookmagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/an-i...
In German: blackbookmagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/ein-...
In English: blackbookmagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/an-i...
In German: blackbookmagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/ein-...
An Interview with the author William Meikle
The Black Stone Magazine - Das Onlinemagazin für Fantasy, Horror und SF
blackbookmagazine.blogspot.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:47 PM
New interview with me in The Black Stone Magazine ( Das Magazin für Fantasy, Horror und SF )
In English: blackbookmagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/an-i...
In German: blackbookmagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/ein-...
In English: blackbookmagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/an-i...
In German: blackbookmagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/ein-...
Investigating Irish & Scottish Women Writers of Children’s Literature
12 Dec @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social – free
Exploring regional & national identities in children’s literature c.1750–1940 – an era of major cultural & political upheaval in Ireland & Scotland
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/investigat...
12 Dec @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social – free
Exploring regional & national identities in children’s literature c.1750–1940 – an era of major cultural & political upheaval in Ireland & Scotland
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/investigat...
Investigating Irish & Scottish Women Writers of Children's Literature
A one-day symposium on Irish and Scottish women writers of children's literature between 1750 and 1940.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Investigating Irish & Scottish Women Writers of Children’s Literature
12 Dec @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social – free
Exploring regional & national identities in children’s literature c.1750–1940 – an era of major cultural & political upheaval in Ireland & Scotland
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/investigat...
12 Dec @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social – free
Exploring regional & national identities in children’s literature c.1750–1940 – an era of major cultural & political upheaval in Ireland & Scotland
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/investigat...
Computer’s First Christmas Card: a Poetry/Coding workshop
4 Dec, Glasgow – free
Inspired by Edwin Morgan’s poem, attendees at this Poetry/Coding workshop will code a festive poem & leave with a handmade Christmas card! No experience of coding or poetry necessary
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computers-...
4 Dec, Glasgow – free
Inspired by Edwin Morgan’s poem, attendees at this Poetry/Coding workshop will code a festive poem & leave with a handmade Christmas card! No experience of coding or poetry necessary
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
November 24, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Computer’s First Christmas Card: a Poetry/Coding workshop
4 Dec, Glasgow – free
Inspired by Edwin Morgan’s poem, attendees at this Poetry/Coding workshop will code a festive poem & leave with a handmade Christmas card! No experience of coding or poetry necessary
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computers-...
4 Dec, Glasgow – free
Inspired by Edwin Morgan’s poem, attendees at this Poetry/Coding workshop will code a festive poem & leave with a handmade Christmas card! No experience of coding or poetry necessary
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/computers-...
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
Book post! Can't wait to read the latest by the fabulous @shonamaclean.bsky.social. Published by @quercusbooks.bsky.social, in bookshops in Feb.
November 24, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Book post! Can't wait to read the latest by the fabulous @shonamaclean.bsky.social. Published by @quercusbooks.bsky.social, in bookshops in Feb.
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
‘Many make a large fortune, who remain underbred and pathetically stupid to the last.’
“Idleness so called, which does not consist in doing nothing, but in doing a great deal not recognised in the dogmatic formularies of the ruling class, has as good a right to state its position as industry itself.”
—“An Apology for Idlers”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1877)
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69825
—“An Apology for Idlers”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1877)
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69825
November 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
‘Many make a large fortune, who remain underbred and pathetically stupid to the last.’
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
A role model for all Scottish writers when afflicted with Calvinism.
“Idleness so called, which does not consist in doing nothing, but in doing a great deal not recognised in the dogmatic formularies of the ruling class, has as good a right to state its position as industry itself.”
—“An Apology for Idlers”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1877)
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69825
—“An Apology for Idlers”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1877)
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69825
November 24, 2025 at 11:26 AM
A role model for all Scottish writers when afflicted with Calvinism.
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
Happy 83rd birthday to Billy Connolly. Here’s the story of how he and Gerry Rafferty appeared at an Arbroath club for the princely sum of £28. Within two years, they were on “Parkinson” and “Top of the Pops.”https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/2275831/arbroath-billy-connolly-gerry-rafferty/
Were you at the Arbroath folk club where Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty performed for £28?
It was a venue which attracted the cream of the crop through its doors during the Swinging Sixties - including several Scots who subsequently earned
www.thecourier.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Happy 83rd birthday to Billy Connolly. Here’s the story of how he and Gerry Rafferty appeared at an Arbroath club for the princely sum of £28. Within two years, they were on “Parkinson” and “Top of the Pops.”https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/2275831/arbroath-billy-connolly-gerry-rafferty/
“Idleness so called, which does not consist in doing nothing, but in doing a great deal not recognised in the dogmatic formularies of the ruling class, has as good a right to state its position as industry itself.”
—“An Apology for Idlers”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1877)
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69825
—“An Apology for Idlers”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1877)
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69825
November 24, 2025 at 11:25 AM
“Idleness so called, which does not consist in doing nothing, but in doing a great deal not recognised in the dogmatic formularies of the ruling class, has as good a right to state its position as industry itself.”
—“An Apology for Idlers”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1877)
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69825
—“An Apology for Idlers”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1877)
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69825
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
The Voyage Out Press invites all to the launch of Roderick Watson's new poetry book @ Dundee Uni Library, 5pm 10/11/25 Free & open to all; to book pp.events/bq8B5y7K
“These are poems made to last, to return to, to keep giving. And they do.” (Alan Riach) @asls.org.uk @byleaveswelive.bsky.social
“These are poems made to last, to return to, to keep giving. And they do.” (Alan Riach) @asls.org.uk @byleaveswelive.bsky.social
You're invited to "Book Launch & Reading." Tap here to RSVP - Paperless Post Flyer
pp.events
November 23, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The Voyage Out Press invites all to the launch of Roderick Watson's new poetry book @ Dundee Uni Library, 5pm 10/11/25 Free & open to all; to book pp.events/bq8B5y7K
“These are poems made to last, to return to, to keep giving. And they do.” (Alan Riach) @asls.org.uk @byleaveswelive.bsky.social
“These are poems made to last, to return to, to keep giving. And they do.” (Alan Riach) @asls.org.uk @byleaveswelive.bsky.social
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
Spent the weekend reading this. When you give it the time that readers had in 1820s, it becomes compulsive. A thriller with a twisty plot, multiple well-drawn characters, and a narrative that keeps everything in place.
November 23, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Spent the weekend reading this. When you give it the time that readers had in 1820s, it becomes compulsive. A thriller with a twisty plot, multiple well-drawn characters, and a narrative that keeps everything in place.
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
‘I have the powers of exorcism,’ Dougal said, ‘that’s all.’
‘What’s that?’
‘The ability to drive devils out of people.’
‘I thought you said you were a devil yourself.’
‘The two states are not incompatible.’
(Muriel Spark, The Ballad of Peckham Rye)
‘What’s that?’
‘The ability to drive devils out of people.’
‘I thought you said you were a devil yourself.’
‘The two states are not incompatible.’
(Muriel Spark, The Ballad of Peckham Rye)
November 22, 2025 at 3:10 PM
‘I have the powers of exorcism,’ Dougal said, ‘that’s all.’
‘What’s that?’
‘The ability to drive devils out of people.’
‘I thought you said you were a devil yourself.’
‘The two states are not incompatible.’
(Muriel Spark, The Ballad of Peckham Rye)
‘What’s that?’
‘The ability to drive devils out of people.’
‘I thought you said you were a devil yourself.’
‘The two states are not incompatible.’
(Muriel Spark, The Ballad of Peckham Rye)
I’m seeking a young, clever woman, cute enough
to prompt a smile, armed with enough pity for
the dregs of the universe…
—Tracey S. Rosenberg, “The Time Lord’s Job Advertisement”
published in THE FLIGHT OF THE TURTLE: New Writing Scotland 29 (ASL, 2011)
A #sciencefiction #poem for #DoctorWhoDay
to prompt a smile, armed with enough pity for
the dregs of the universe…
—Tracey S. Rosenberg, “The Time Lord’s Job Advertisement”
published in THE FLIGHT OF THE TURTLE: New Writing Scotland 29 (ASL, 2011)
A #sciencefiction #poem for #DoctorWhoDay
November 23, 2025 at 4:36 PM
I’m seeking a young, clever woman, cute enough
to prompt a smile, armed with enough pity for
the dregs of the universe…
—Tracey S. Rosenberg, “The Time Lord’s Job Advertisement”
published in THE FLIGHT OF THE TURTLE: New Writing Scotland 29 (ASL, 2011)
A #sciencefiction #poem for #DoctorWhoDay
to prompt a smile, armed with enough pity for
the dregs of the universe…
—Tracey S. Rosenberg, “The Time Lord’s Job Advertisement”
published in THE FLIGHT OF THE TURTLE: New Writing Scotland 29 (ASL, 2011)
A #sciencefiction #poem for #DoctorWhoDay
Wha’s Doctor Wha? Wha better kens nor he
that jouks the yetts and rides the birlin wheels
o time and space, shape-shiftin as he reels
through endless versions o reality…
—James Robertson, “Doctor Wha”
in WHERE ROCKETS BURN THROUGH (2012) , ed @russjoneswrites.bsky.social
A #poem for #DoctorWhoDay
that jouks the yetts and rides the birlin wheels
o time and space, shape-shiftin as he reels
through endless versions o reality…
—James Robertson, “Doctor Wha”
in WHERE ROCKETS BURN THROUGH (2012) , ed @russjoneswrites.bsky.social
A #poem for #DoctorWhoDay
November 23, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Wha’s Doctor Wha? Wha better kens nor he
that jouks the yetts and rides the birlin wheels
o time and space, shape-shiftin as he reels
through endless versions o reality…
—James Robertson, “Doctor Wha”
in WHERE ROCKETS BURN THROUGH (2012) , ed @russjoneswrites.bsky.social
A #poem for #DoctorWhoDay
that jouks the yetts and rides the birlin wheels
o time and space, shape-shiftin as he reels
through endless versions o reality…
—James Robertson, “Doctor Wha”
in WHERE ROCKETS BURN THROUGH (2012) , ed @russjoneswrites.bsky.social
A #poem for #DoctorWhoDay
James “B.V.” Thomson (1834–1882) – poet, journalist, translator, anarchist, atheist – was born #OTD, 23 Nov, in Port Glasgow. Best-known for his long poem THE CITY OF DREADFUL NIGHT, he influenced TS Eliot & is seen as a progenitor of #Modernism
#poetry
1/4
psychogeographicreview.com/the-city-of-...
#poetry
1/4
psychogeographicreview.com/the-city-of-...
The City of Dreadful Night
James Thomson was a Scottish-born poet, atheist and anarchist. He struggled with depression, insomnia and alcohol-abuse throughout his short life and his work frequently reflected the bleakness and…
psychogeographicreview.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:48 PM
James “B.V.” Thomson (1834–1882) – poet, journalist, translator, anarchist, atheist – was born #OTD, 23 Nov, in Port Glasgow. Best-known for his long poem THE CITY OF DREADFUL NIGHT, he influenced TS Eliot & is seen as a progenitor of #Modernism
#poetry
1/4
psychogeographicreview.com/the-city-of-...
#poetry
1/4
psychogeographicreview.com/the-city-of-...
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
Part 7/7 is in people’s inboxes today!
That’s a wrap on “A Road Less Taken.” I hope y’all enjoyed it, got a glimpse into what @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social offers, & had a good National Book Week wherever you happen to be!
This was part 6: mailchi.mp/scottishbook...
That’s a wrap on “A Road Less Taken.” I hope y’all enjoyed it, got a glimpse into what @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social offers, & had a good National Book Week wherever you happen to be!
This was part 6: mailchi.mp/scottishbook...
November 23, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Part 7/7 is in people’s inboxes today!
That’s a wrap on “A Road Less Taken.” I hope y’all enjoyed it, got a glimpse into what @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social offers, & had a good National Book Week wherever you happen to be!
This was part 6: mailchi.mp/scottishbook...
That’s a wrap on “A Road Less Taken.” I hope y’all enjoyed it, got a glimpse into what @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social offers, & had a good National Book Week wherever you happen to be!
This was part 6: mailchi.mp/scottishbook...
When King Haakon IV blundered by using a flat 3000–5000-2000 formation instead of the tried & tested 4000-3000-3000
Writing tomorrow on how the victory at Hampden was a 'luminous moment' and the most important victory against Scandic forces since the Battle of Largs in 1263
November 22, 2025 at 11:12 PM
When King Haakon IV blundered by using a flat 3000–5000-2000 formation instead of the tried & tested 4000-3000-3000
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
ICYMI: Damian Barr’s The Two Roberts (Canongate), Ian McEwan’s What We Can Know (Jonathan Cape) and Lyse Doucet’s The Finest Hotel in Kabul (Hutchinson Heinemann) have been shortlisted for the 2025 Nero Book Awards 👇 #BookSky
Damian Barr, Ian McEwan and Lyse Doucet shortlisted for 2025 Nero Book Awards
ebx.sh
November 22, 2025 at 7:01 PM
ICYMI: Damian Barr’s The Two Roberts (Canongate), Ian McEwan’s What We Can Know (Jonathan Cape) and Lyse Doucet’s The Finest Hotel in Kabul (Hutchinson Heinemann) have been shortlisted for the 2025 Nero Book Awards 👇 #BookSky
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
And then we've got the keynote from our James Hogg conference talking about the demonic in Early Modern Scotland! (This is usually unlisted, so only available with this direct link!)
youtu.be/XCnChRNRTsU
youtu.be/XCnChRNRTsU
Keynote 2 - Martha McGill - “Evil Company”: Internal and External Demons in Early Modern Scotland
YouTube video by Romancing the Gothic
youtu.be
November 22, 2025 at 6:46 PM
And then we've got the keynote from our James Hogg conference talking about the demonic in Early Modern Scotland! (This is usually unlisted, so only available with this direct link!)
youtu.be/XCnChRNRTsU
youtu.be/XCnChRNRTsU
Reposted by Association for Scottish Literature
Well, we had a whole conference celebrating James Hogg!
Here is one of our 'every week' talks on the demonic in the Scottish Gothic
youtu.be/siB7TnR227Q
Here is one of our 'every week' talks on the demonic in the Scottish Gothic
youtu.be/siB7TnR227Q
Devil or Double: Decoding the Demonic in the Scottish Gothic
YouTube video by Romancing the Gothic
youtu.be
November 22, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Well, we had a whole conference celebrating James Hogg!
Here is one of our 'every week' talks on the demonic in the Scottish Gothic
youtu.be/siB7TnR227Q
Here is one of our 'every week' talks on the demonic in the Scottish Gothic
youtu.be/siB7TnR227Q