Archive

Bagpipe Book Launch

Hugh Cheape will launch his new book on the NMS bagpipe collection.

Prof Peter Brown's Launches Ethics, Economics and International Relations

A special evening of discussion and debate with McGill University's Professor Peter Brown.

Between Weathers Edinburgh Launch

Ron McMillan launches his new travelogue of the Shetland Isles in a series of events across Scotland.

The ASLS Annual Conference 2008: Dramatising Scotland

Preliminary information on the 2008 annual conference of the Association for Scottish Literary Studies

The Leith Festival Literature Programme 2008

Over 30,000 people are expected to attend the 2008 Leith Festival. This our pick of the Literature and Spoken Word events.

Sample Saturday: Arvon Courses at Moniack Mhor

The Avron foundation will demonstrate the types of courses they run at Moniack Mhor

An Evening of Poetry about Paintings

Three distinguished Scottish poets reading poetry inspired by paintings - Stewart Conn, Dilys Rose and Alan Riach

Poems Aloud: Iain Crichton Smith

Celebrate the life and work of Iain Crichton Smith by bringing your favourite ICS poems to the Scottish Poetry Library

The Good Mayor Edinburgh Launch

The Good Mayor is a story of love, loss, magic, friendship, wonderful food, a brass band, an Italian witch, a large lawyer, an occasional dog and a car chase that takes place at walking pace.

Under Suspicion Launch and Signing

The second novel from the Mulgray twins, Under Suspicion, will be launched in Edinburgh

Monkey Puzzle Man Launch at RBGE

Two books, including Monkey Puzzle Man by James McCarthy, will be launched at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Aftershock Launch and Signing

Quintin Jardine reads from and signs his latest novel.

Iron Angel

Sci-Fi author Alan Campbell signs copies of his book Iron Angel

Ron Butlin to be New Edinburgh Makar

Poet Ron Butlin has been selected to be the new Edinburgh Makar, taking over from Valerie Gillies

Launch of Kieron Smith, Boy

James Kelman's latest novel will be launched at Word Power Books

NMS Celebration Weekend - Meet Kate Atkinson

Meet Kate Atkinson at the National Museum of Scotland's celebration weekend

Childrens' Book Event - First Aid for Fairies in Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh

Join Lari Don at two events where she will be discussing her creative writing and her novel, First Aid For Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts

NMS Celebration Weekend - Meet Maggie O'Farrell

Meet Maggie O'Farrell at the National Museum of Scotland's Celebration Weekend

Karen Campbell and Alex Gray

Two of Scotland's leading crime writers talk about their work.

The Big J Edinburgh Launch

Andrew Murray Scott will be reading from and talking about his new novel, The Big J

Childrens' Book Event - First Aid for Fairies in Edinburgh

Join Lari Don as she discusses her creative writing and her new novel, First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts

Dan Rhodes Reads from Gold

Dan Rhodes reads from his novel Gold, recently released in paperback

Jackie Kay: Selected Works

Jackie Kay, one of Scotland's favourite poets, will be discussing her poetry with Robyn Marsack

Free Book Swap in Edinburgh

Scottish publishers are donating hundreds of books for a free book swap - bring books of your own and pick up something new to read. A free event.

Desert Island Books!

Three local authors discuss their significant books, and the titles they would like to take to their own desert islands

Scottish Islands Ceilidh Culture Event

Poetry, story, image and music from Christine De Luca and Robert Alan Jamieson

Bridge Readings: Meaghan Delahunt

Australian-born author Meaghan Delahunt will read from her new novel, The Read Book

Savage Night Launch

Allan Guthrie launches his latest crime novel, Savage Night

The Red Book Launch

Meaghan Delahunt launches her new book, The Red Room

Meet Debi Gliori

Children's author Debi Gliori explains how her books come to be written

Gothic Fiction, Gothic Cities

One Book One Edinburgh: Leading academics meet to discuss the Gothic themes and settings of Stevenson's classic novel

Jekyll & Hyde: The Graphic Novel

One Book One Edinburgh: Join Cam Kennedy and Alan Grant to discuss the creation of the Jekyll & Hyde Graphic Novel, and try your hand at the comic strip form

Hyde and Seek with Ian Rankin

One Book One Edinburgh: Ian Rankin explores the inspiration behind Stevenson's classic novel

StAnza 2008 Preview with Adrian Mitchell and Robert Alan Jamieson

Adrian Mitchell and Robert Allan Jamieson will be previewing the 2008 StAnza Poetry Festival

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde Graphic Novel Launch

One Book One Edinburgh The graphic novel of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is finally launched

Valentine's Poetry Party with John Hegley

Poetry from John Hegley and music from Martin Resner. Booking essential!

Selected Works for Valentine's Day

Love poems from four different poets, presented by Diana Hendry and Hamish Whyte

Textualities Launch

Textualities.net, the online literary magazine, is launching two new print editions of their magazine

Close Encounters: Don Paterson

Poet Don Paterson discusses the poets and poems he enjoys reading.

Psychoraag in France

Celebrating the success of the French publication of Suhayl Saadi's Psychoraag, there will be two discussion panels held in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Writing with a Sense of Place in John Muir Country

Alistair Paterson leads a three-day creative writing retreat in East Lothian

Launch of On The Flyleaf Of

Joan Ken Cockburn for the launch of his new poetry collection On the flyleaf of.

VoXboX slam

VoxboX is a new poetry slam, and is launching with a competition

Poetry Association of Scotland: John Masefield Lecture

Michael Phillips, the renowned expert on Blake, will speak on “William Blake and the Terror in Lambeth”.

Bridge Readings: Kevin Williamson

Kevin Williamson, author and poet, reads from and discusses his new collection of poetry "In A Room Darkened"

The Edinburgh Lectures: How Fiction Became Reality

Scottish graphic novel writer Alan Grant discusses how the fiction of his Judge Dredd books is coming to life

Meet Ali Smith: Girl Meets Boy Reading

Prizewinning author Ali Smith will be reading from her latest novel, Girl Meets Boy, at a special event in Edinburgh

Christmas Ghost Tour at the National Library

Dare you join other brave souls to delve down into the darkest depths of George IV Bridge?

Rosslyn Chapel Revealed Launch

Michael T R B Turnbull launches his new book on the famous Rosslyn Chapel

Bridge Readings: Jackie Kay

Part of the National Library of Scotland's "Bridge Readings" series, poet Jackie Kay will be reading from her latest collection

Christmas Poetry Pamphlet Party and Fair

A poetry pamphlet party and fair celebrating poetry.

Launch of The Edinburgh History of the Book Volumes 3 and 4

The Edinburgh History of the Scottish Book is a major research project, and Volumes 3 and 4 are launched today

A Social History of Shale Mining

Alistair Findlay will be sharing some of his insight of the shale mining industry and discusses his new book, Shale Voices.

Scottish Language Dictionaries Conference 2007

Details of the 2007 Scottish Language Dictionaries conference

Poems to be Read Aloud Edinburgh Launch

The Edinburgh launch of Luath Press's new collection of Favourite Scottish Poems to be Read Aloud

Bridge Readings: James McCarthy

James McCarthy will be reading from and discussing his biography of Selim Aga

Ralph Ellis Lectures

Ralph Ellis, author of "Cleopatra to Christ" and "Scota Queen of the Scots" will be delivering two lectures at the Saunier Society Symposium

Scottish Football at its Best: Edinburgh Launch

The Edinburgh Launch of Luath's new collection of Scottish football poems

The Children's Bookshop Launch

Poet Goes To Work on the Body

The Launch of Dilys Rose's new poetry collection, Bodywork

Write a Poetry Review

Two BooksfromScotland.com contributors will be sharing their skills in reviewing poetry

Edinburgh Castle Storytour With Stuart McHardy

Storyteller Stuart McHardy has tales of Edinburgh Castle to share

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Details of the 2007 Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Bridge Readings: Janet Paisley

Janet Paisley will be reading from her acclaimed novel White Rose Rebel, her first full-length novel.

Scotland's Treasure-Trove: Celtic Legend

Claire McNicol and Margaret Smith bring Celtic storytelling and music to life.

Andrew Greig Reading from the Poetry Association of Scotland

The Poetry Association of Scotland introduces an evening of poetry by Andrew Greig

Launch of The Radical Field

Join friends of the late Tony McManus for the launch of his new book on Kenneth White, The Radical Field

Mondes parallèles

Christine De Luca's poetry collection Parallel Worlds has recently been translated and published in France.

By Leaves We Live: A celebration of artists’ books and small presses

Each year the Scottish Poetry Library hosts a one day fair of small presses in Scotland

Michael Longley on Louis MacNeice

Michael Longley presents a selection of poems by Louis MacNeice.

Dream Poets Tour

Poetry from across the four nations of the UK

Leaving The Nest Launch

The launch party for Dorothy Baird's collection Leaving the Nest

Angus Peter Campbell Bridge Reading

Saltire prize-winning author Angus Peter Campbell will be reading from both his English and Gaelic works in this National Library of Scotland event.

Shadow Mile Tour with Ken Cockburn

Ken Cockburn leads a poetic tour around Edinburgh's old town

Lebowski Fest

The first ever Lebowski Fest in the UK is being held in Edinburgh this August

Launch of First Gaelic Novel in RNIB Talking Book Service

Norman Campbell's Gaelic novel Shrapnel is the first Gaelic novel to be transcribed for use by the blind, and was launched at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

SPL Pilots New Reading Group

The Scottish Poetry library are looking for volunteers to try the 'Shared Inquiry' approach reading groups

Iain Banks Bridge Reading

Iain Banks reads from and discusses his most recent novel, The Steep Approach to Garbadale.

Alastair Reid Bridge Reading

A Bridge Readings event with the National Library of Scotland and Galloway-born poet and translator Alastair Reid

Scottish Poetry Exhibition

An exhibition of new Scottish poetry from 12 poets, including performance pieces

July Storytellers in Residence

Every day in July storytellers will be on hand to share poems, skills and songs.

Storyfair Open Day

Free family fun at the Scottish Storytelling Centrer, with live storytelling, music and crafts

Hand, Heart and Soul Exhibition

Hand, Heart and Soul: The Arts and Crafts Movement in Scotland is a UK wide exhibition supported by a book of the same name

Bridge Readings: James Robertson

James Robertson reads from The Testament of Gideon Mack

A Celebration of Scottish Children's Literature

The Old Children's Bookshelf and Fidra Books are hosting a three-day celebration of Scottish Children's literature, with special guest Elinor Lyon.

Shadow-Mile

Ken Cockburn leads a literary tour round the poetry of Edinburgh Old Town. Held on two separate dates.

Old Town Festival 2007

The Edinburgh Old Town Festival is a celebration of song, storytelling and art set in the historic old town

Launch of After You've Gone

Launch of Joan Lingard's new adult novel After You've Gone

Ferry Arts Fringe - Rhymes on the River

Edinburgh Makar Valerie Gillies leads a poetry writing workshop on Inchcolm Island in the Firth of Forth

Preview of John Fardell's Next Novel

John Fardell will discuss his writing process and over a sneak preview of his next children's novel.

Debut Authors Festival 2007

The third Debut Authors Festival, the only one of its kind in the UK, starts on 8th June 2007.

Launch of Auld Campaigner

Join David Robb for the launch of his biography of Alexander Scott

Price of Scotland

A talk on the economic consequences of the failed Darien scheme, by Dr Douglas Watt

Maggie O'Farrell Creative Writing Workshop

Maggie O'Farrell will lead a creative writing workshop with a particular focus on creating realistic fictional characters.

Leith Festival Book Club 2007

The literature events at this year's Leith Festival are branded under the name The Leith Festival Book Club

Discover the Scottish Poetry Library

A 20-minute lunchtime tour of the Scottish Poetry Library's collections

Novel Approach: A Poetry Guide for Fiction Readers

An evening designed for book groups and novel readers to sample poetry suited to your own tastes in fiction.

Writers With Bite

A new literary festival for Edinburgh - but spookier than your usual festival. Writers With Bite looks at the dark site of literature, from gruesome murders to ghosts and witches.

Edinburgh Festival of Scottish Writing 2007

The seventh annual Festival of Scottish Writing, organised by Edinburgh City Libraries, runs for two weeks in May

Wings of Ruksh Launch

Anne Forbes is the young author of Dragonfire, and her new novel, The Wings of Ruksh, is launched this May.

Launch of Hard Man

Alan Guthrie will be launching his third Edinburgh crime novel, Hard Man, at a private event this April.

Scottish Poetry Library Book Sale

Poetry lovers could snap up a bargain as the Scottish Poetry Library sells off some of its duplicate stock.

Poetry and the Awakened Heart Workshop

A two-day workshop titled "Poetry and the Awakened Heart" organised by the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities.

Launch of A Swing Through Time

Olive Geddes launches a revised edition of her history of golf.

PAS Hugh MacDiarmid Lecture 2007

Details of the 2007 Hugh MacDiarmid Lecture.

Launch of The English Spy

A fictionalised account of he true story of Daniel Defoe's role as 'The English Spy' in 18th century Edinburgh. Launch of the new novel by Donald Smith.

Scottish Storytelling Centre Training Programme 2007

The Scottish Storytelling Centre have announced their training programme for 2007

Tall Tales Oscars - Storytelling Competition

Scottish Storyteller's compete for the annual 'Tall Tales Oscar' - and you can help chose the winner

The Bridge Readings: Brookmyre and Mina

Readings and conversation with two of Scotland's leading crime writers, Christopher Brookmyre and Denise Mina, as part of the National Library's 'The Bridge Readings' series

International Women's Day Scottish PEN Event

4 writers will be reading from an international selection of writing in support of International Women's Day.

Children's Book Writer's Day - CANCELLED

An open day for anyone interested in Children's Book writing, organised by the Scottish branch of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

Mairi Hedderwick Launch Event

Mairi Hedderwick will be launching her latest Katie Morag book at an event at the North Edinburgh Arts Centre.

Storytelling Across The Pond

Explorers, Loggers, Farmers and Bears - Scottish-Canadian, Canadian-Scottish and Quebecoise storytellers

A Celebration of Edwin Morgan

A celebration of Scottish poet Edwin Morgan, with Hamish Whyte and Ron Butlin

Kidnapped: When Kilts Were Banned

One Book One City: A theatrical take on RL Stevenson's classic novel Kidnapped, scripted by Donald Smith.

Barry Menikoff: On The Road with David Balfour

One Book One City: Kevin Williamson talks to Professor Barry Menikoff about RL Stevenson and Kidnapped

Favourite RL Stevenson Poems

Christine De Luca hosts a lunchtime celebration of poems by Robert Louis Stevenson. Free event.

Poetry Library Book Group: Rapture

Carol Ann Duffy's Rapture has been described as "passionate and beautiful", and so is the natural choice for a special Valetine's book group.

Children's Book Illustrator's Day

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is hosting an open day for anyone interested in writing and illustrating children's books.

Alan Spence Reading

Join Alan Spence as he reads from and discusses his latest novel, The Pure Land

StAnza Festival Programme Launch

The launch of the 2007 StAnza Poetry Festival Programme takes place in Edinburgh this year.

Simon Puttock Stories

Join Simon Puttock for an afternoon of storytelling

The Guid Crack Club

"Stories to Keep out the Cold" with Borders storyteller James Spence.

Talking Trees Storytelling

The return of the Botanic Gardnen's Talking Trees storytelling events

Storytelling Café: Burns an A' That

An alternative Burns night of stories, poetry and song hosted by storyteller, writer and musician Stuart McHardy.

Funny Bones

A puppet show based on the famous book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.

Night Time Tales

A night before Christmas full of dark and intricate stories for Yule and midwinter. With Heather Yule and John Wheeler, hosted by Donald Smith. Come along early for mulled wine.

Poetry Pamphlet Party and Fair

An informal evening of poetry readings and a celebration of pamphlet poetry. Organised by the administrators of the Callum Macdonald Memorial Award.

Daniell's Scotland: Limited Edition

Birlinn are launching a limited edition facsimile copy of William Daniell's Scottish aquatint etchings.

Launch of Wherever The Saltire Flies

News of the launch of Wherever the Saltire Flies by two MSPs.

Addicted to Brightness with John Burnside

The SPL support the launch of Long Lunch Press's first poetry collection, Addicted to Brightness.

Launch of Elemental: The Universal Art of Mental Health

Paul Reed, author of novel 'The One', launches his new guide to Mental Health

Launch of The Edinburgh History of Scottish Literature

Edinburgh University Press are launching their three-volume History of Scottish Literature .

The Bridge Readings: Ian Rankin

Ian Rankin, one of Scotland's most successful novelists, will be reading from his latest novel in November's Bridge Readings.

Responses to Rilke

Don Paterson and Jo Shapcott in conversation, discussing the legacy of Austrian poet Rilke.

Edinburgh Children's Writers Meetup Group

The Edinburgh Children's Writers Meetup Group is a new monthly meeting for aspiring children's authors in and around Edinburgh

Birthday Celebration: Stewart Conn

Celebrating the 70th birthday of Shore Poets' Honorary President, Stewart Conn, with readings from Scottish poets.

Launch of The Love Songs of John Knox

Just when they thought it was safe to turn him into a car park, John Knox comes back, and he’s no happy…

Mike Stocks Book Launches

Mike Stocks his launching his award-winning debut novel, and his first poetry collection, in Edinburgh.

Muriel Spark Society Lecture

The Annual Muriel Spark Society Lecture

Reading From The Worms of Euston Square

A wine reception and reading from The Worms of Euston Square by William Sutton

Book Launch: Michael Fry's The Union: England, Scotland and the Treaty of 1707

Michael Fry launches his new history of the Union of the Scottish and English Parliaments in 1707.

Truffles by Elisabeth Luard

A talk and cookery demontration with author Elisabeth Luard, featuring truffles.

Scotland's Travelling People

Sheila Stewart, Jess Smith and Sheila Douglas read from their new books.

Three Happenstance Launches

New chapbooks published by Happenstance Press will be launched at this free event.

The White Cockade

Tales and songs of the Jacobites.

All You Can Bring Is Your Story

Twenty-five stories from eleven countries.

The Bridge Readings: James Meek

James Meek, award winning journalist, reads from his work in the latest National Library Bridge Readings.

17th Scottish International Storytelling Festival

News of the 17th Scottish International Storytelling Festival, and this year's lead theme, Scotland and Ireland.

The Many Voices of the John Murray Archive

Nat Edwards describes the 21st century techniques which are helping to restore and illuminate the National Library of Scotland's John Murray Archive.

Russian Writing Today: War and Peace

A discussion of modern Russian writing and publishing, in assocation with the Scotland-Russia Forum.

Margaret Atwood and Lewis Hyde in Conversation

A conversation with Canadian author Margaret Atwood and Lewis Hyde. They will be looking at Hyde's The Gift.

Stevenson in Scots

Distinguished actor John Shedden and the Robert Louis Stevenson Club bring alive the Scots poetry of Stevenson.

Monthly Poetry Book Group: Swithering

Julie Johnstone will lead this month's Scottish Poetry Library book group, reading Robin Robertson's Swithering.

Big Draw Day!

Art and storytelling for all ages. Bring your imagination for art and stories.

Book Party: Apollos of the North

A 'Book Party' event, launching Robert Crawfords new translations of the Latin verse of George Buchanan and Arthur Johnston.

The Big Word: Relaunch

The Big Word relaunches with a new venue, new format, and a great mix of lyrical and musical talent.

The 10th Edinburgh International Radical Book Fair

The 10th Edinburgh International Radical Book Fair – opened by Vandana Shaw

Novel Approach

Performance Poets Elspeth Murray and Richard Medrington present a poetry guide for fiction readers.

Whisper of the Wind: Calum Colvin's Ossian

A selection from Scottish artist Calum Colvin, in response to the strange world of Ossian, a 3rd century Celtic bard

Peter Pan in Scarlet Launch

A chance to meet author Geraldine McCaughrean, the author of the official sequel to JM Barrie's Peter Pan.

William Boyd: Restless

An Edinburgh International Book Festival Autumn Evening event: William Boyd with his new novel Restless

George Mackay Brown: A Tribute

As part of the celebrations for the 2006 National Poetry Day, the Scottish Storytelling Centre is featuring the work of George Mackay Brown.

Launch Party: The Thing That Mattered Most

A launch party to celebrate the publication of a new collection of poetry for children, The Thing That Mattered Most

By Leaves We Live: A Celebration of Poetry and Art Magazines

Chat informally to editors from Scotland and abroad and hear discussions on poetry and art magazine publishing.

The Bridge Readings: Alasdair Gray

The third Bridge Readings features Alasdair Gray, in conversation with his first publisher.

One Clear Line at the Scottish Poetry Library

Poet and artist Ian Stephen, artist Pat Law and musician Norman Chalmers share their experiences of visiting the tiny group of islands, The Shiants.

Poet in the Past

An exhibition of entries to the Scottish Poetry library Schools Competition.

Romantic Novelists' Association Lunch

The Romantic Novelists' Association are holding a lunch in honour of writers Mary Stewart, Lucilla Andrews and Rosamunde Pilcher.

Stunning Stories and Powerful Poems in a Week

A week long course in how to be ‘exact’ in your writing and how to create interesting characters and intriguing plots.

Performing Your Writing

Stephanie Green and Gavin Inglis will be offering practical help to build confidence and stage skills.

Brian Cox in Conversation with David Ashton

Brian Cox discusses David Ashton's latest work, Shadow of the Serpent, with him.

The Bridge Readings: Laura Hird

Laura Hird reads from her work and discusses it with the audience in a Bridge Readings session.

Launch of Belonging

Ron Butlin, author of The Sound of My Voice, launches his thrilling new novel, Belonging.

Courtyard Readings at the Scottish Poetry Library

The annual Courtyard Readings are hosted by the School of Poets. Come and read your own work or the work of your favourite writers.

Poetry Idol, Edinburgh

Poetry idol, Edinburgh, offers you the chance to make it big in the world of verse.

The 2006 Edinburgh International Book Festival

News of the 2006 Edinburgh International Book Festival, which runs from the 12th to the 28th of August.

Launch of Edinburgh: A New Perspective

Come and meet Jason and hear him discuss his vision of the Capital and his book, Edinburgh: A New Perspective.

Alan Spence: and this too will pass

Glasgow born author and poet Alan Spence will be reading from his poetry collections.

Audubon's Scottish Links

John Chalmers, author of Audubon in Edinburgh, recounts the Scottish experiences of the great American wildlife artist.

The Bridge Readings: A L Kennedy

AL Kennedy will be appearing at the National Library's Inaugural 'Bridge Readings' discussion series.

City Stories: Malcolm Fraser and Zoë Strachan

Scottish Architect of the Year Malcolm Fraser,and the much-acclaimed Glasgow author Zoë Strachan, choose and discuss their favourite writings about cities.

City Ideas: How Edinburgh Changed the World

Novelist and critic James Buchan will relive Edinburgh's glory days as the intellectual centre of the Western world.

The Edinburgh Play Reading Group

Meeting for 4 days in July to read, discuss and rehearse 3 contemporary plays by some of Scotland's leading playwrights.

beatniX - Hosted by Anita Govan

Performance poetry event, offering a heady mix of open mic, singer-songwriters, dead poet society and ‘Task from the Hat’.

Little Sparta excursions from Edinburgh

Discover the famous garden of Little Sparta in Dunsyre

Launch of The Complete Songs of Robert Tannahill

The launch of a new CD, The Complete Songs of Robert Tannahill, Volume 1.

Twentieth-Century Scottish Poetry Discussion

Prominent poets discuss their work and read from The Edinburgh Book of Twentieth-Century Scottish Poetry.

Keith Gray Writer-in-Residence

Scottish Children's author Keith Gray is taking up the City of Literature residency at the North Edinburgh Arts Centre.

2006 Debut Authors Festival

Now in its second year, the Debut Authors Festival is the only British festival dedicated to new writers.

Journey into Africa: Keith Johnston, Cartographer and Explorer

Biographer James McCarthy discusses the life of Keith Johnston, the cartographer and explorer.

Carol Ann Duffy Reading

Carol Ann Duffy gives the inaugural TS Eliot Scottish Reading, reading from her collection Rapture.

Robert Louis Stevenson Festival

New for 2006 with the Scottish Seabird Centre, a festival celebrating Robert Louis Stevenson.

ISBN-13 Update Seminar and Publisher Surgery

The Scottish Publisher's Association, in association with Nielsen BookData and the NLS, are holding a free seminar for publishers on the forthcoming move to ISBN-13.

Magic Afoot: Launch of Textualities Magazine

Textualities.net, the online literary magazine, is launching its first ever print edition at the Jazz Bar in Edinburgh.

Leith Festival

Some literary highlights from the 2006 Leith Festival.

Makar Press Poetry Reading: Running Threads

The Makar Press poets will be reading from their joint collection, Running Threads, and raising funds for the Iona Community.

Bookstart Scotland

This year's "Bookstart Scotland" theme is "Flowers in Scotland", and to launch the events there will be a marque in Princes Street Gardens.

Thomas A Clark: Selected Works

Thomas A Clark, a poet who is fascinated by the properties of space and print, will be picking an intriguing selection of the poems which are most important to him.

Tales of Two Cities: Edinburgh and Glasgow

A new programme of poems celebrating Edinburgh and Glasgow, and a sneak preview of Mariscat Press's new anthology Into Glasgow, poems translated into Glaswegian.

Festival of Scottish Writing

The Edinburgh Libraries Festival of Scottish Writing runs from the 12th to the 18th of May 2006 in venues across the capital.

Scottish Storytelling Centre Opens

The Scottish Storyelling Centre opened the world's first dedicated storytelling centre in Edinburgh on 2nd May

Venus Rising: Janice Galloway

Janice Galloway will draw from her prose and poetry to make links with the National Gallery's Venus Rising exhibition.

Luanch of Tunnel Tigers

Join Patrick Campbell for the launch of Tunnel Tigers, a first-hand account of a hydro boy in the Highlands.

Dragonfire Launch

Set in and around Holyrood, including some seens in the school itself, Dragonfire features a whisky-loving dragon who lives under Arthur's Seat.

Scotland Canada Exchange at the Scottish Poetry Library

The start of a year-long "webbing" of contemporary Scottish and Canadian poets. Aislinn Hunter introduces John Burnside.

Tall Tales from Small Countries

Short stories and thoughts on the form from Denmark and Scotland as Danish authors Carsten René Nielsen and Lars Frost share the stage with Scottish novelists Anne Donovan and Rodge Glass

Big Word: Fifth Birthday!

The Big Word Poetry Cabaret celebrates its fifth birthday with five wildly diverse stand-up poets

Handful of Rogues: Hector MacMillan in Conversation

Hector MacMillian is in conversation with Alan Taylor, of the Sunday Herald, about his new book Handful of Rogues: Thomas Muir's Enemies of the People.

Launch of The Life Of George Mackay Brown

Details of the launch of Maggie Fergusson's biography of writer George Mackay Brown, at the National Library of Scotland.

Fizzers Exhibition and Book Launch

This fun, family show features the work of the Scottish Cartoon Art Studio. Fizzers, a Scottish word for faces, includes Scotland’s most famous faces, from the worlds of pop music, politics, sport, stage and screen.

City of Literature Public Lecture: City STORIES

The second UNESCO Edinburgh City of Literature public talks, artist Alison Watt and film-maker Richard Jobson discuss their favourite writing about cities. CANCELLED

A Bright Glade Exhibition

An exhibition of books, cards and prints by Thomas A Clark and Laurie Clark.

Poetry Reading with Thomas A Clark

A rare reading by one of the most subtle and discerning of Scottish poets, this marks the opening of A Bright Glade.

Shore Poets: Deborah Moffatt

Deborah Moffatt will be joined by Angela McSeveney and John Easton.

James Hogg Exhibition at the Writer's Museum, Edinburgh

Exhibition of James Hogg's work at the Writer's Museum, Edinburgh

El Otro Lado (The Other Side)

Jenni Calder presents an afternoon in celebration of contemporary Latina and Chicana women's writing.

City Of Literature Public Lecture: City CRIMES

The first Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Public Lecture is City CRIMES, with Allan Guthrie, Lin Anderson and Alex Gray.

"Dead Poets, Living Poems"

A presentation from lecturer, critic and writer on the poetry of MacDiarmid, MacCaig, Maclean, Crichton Smith and others.

Modern Scottish Poetry talk

21/03/2006. Dr Christopher Whyte will be talking at Edinburgh University about modern Scottish poetry.

Launch: The Highland Clearances Trail with Rob Gibson

Rob Gibson MSP launches his new book, The Highland Clearances Trail, at the National Library of Scotland.

Crime Writing Class with Lin Anderson

Saturday creative writing class with crime author Lin Anderson.

Society of Children's Book Writers: Writers Day

The Society of Children's Book Writers are holding a Writers Day in Edinburgh.

The Spring Wind: Haiku with Ken Cockburn

11/03/06. Reading and writing haiku with Cockburn at Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden.

Poets and the City: Glasgow and Edinburgh

09/03/06. The final in a series of three illustrated lectures by artist Alexander Moffat and Prof. Alan Riach, considering the character and work of modern Scottish poets.

Launch of the Biographical Dictionary of Scottish Women

08/03/2006. From Herring-Gutters to Queens: Women in Scotland's Story celebrates the launch of the Biographical Dictionary of Scottish Women at the National Library of Scotland.

Festival of the Middle East Writer in Residence: Kevin Macneil

28/02/2006. The first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh, presents Kevin Macneil as Writer in Residence for the Festival of the Middle East 2006.

7 Poets Generation: Sorley Maclean, Iain Crichton Smith, George Mackay Brown

23/02/2006. The second in a series of illustrated lectures from Alexander Moffat and Professor Alain Riach. The work of Sorley Maclean, Iain Crichton Smith and George Mackay Brown.

Fife Poets: John Burnside and Brian Johnstone

18/02/2006. Poetry with John Burnside and Brian Johnstone.

From Glasgow to Nineveh: People and Places in the Poetry of Edwin Morgan

15/02/2006. Robyn Marsack, the Director of the Scottish Poetry Library, gives this year's John Masefield Lecture for The Poetry Association of Scotland on the work of Edwin Morgan

Launch of Scots in the USA

15/02/2006. All over Scotland and the United States there are clues to the Scottish-American relationship, explored in Jenni Calder's new book, Scots in the USA.

Susie Maguire's 'Her Drug of Choice' on BBC Radio 4

15/02/06. As part of BBC Radio 4's "Passion" week, Jenny Coverack will be reading from Susie Maguire's "Her Drug of Choice", a short story from her "Furthermore" collection.

'Fall in Love with Poetry' - Valentine's Book Party

14/02/06. An after-hours run of the Scottish Poetry Library's shelves, new books within reach, a glass of champagne in your hand – what could be better?

7 Poets Generation: Hugh MacDiarmid and Modern Scottish Poetry

09/02/2006. The first of a series of three illustrated lectures by Scottish artist Alexander Moffat and Professor Alan Riach. The character and work of Hugh MacDiarmid.

Lecture: Edinburgh Shops, Past & Present

Lecture at the National Library of Scotland with speaker Malcolm Cant.

Scottish Poetry Library Book Group: Love and Desire

06/02/2006. Julie Johnstone of the Scottish Poetry Library leads their monthly book group. In February the group discuss how poets write about falling in (and out) of love.

Big Word Performance Poetry night

02/02/06. Big Word Performance Poetry night at the City Cafe, Edinburgh.

First Scottish Launch of Poetry Review

02/02/2006. The first Scottish launch of an issue from Poetry Review, and a great opportunity for poets and readers to meet the journal's new editor, Fiona Sampson.

Pitlochry Winter Words Festival

25/01/06 to 29/01/06. A four-day event featuring Ian Rankin, Louise Welsh, AL Kennedy and many more.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1868-1927 by Francis Henry Newbery

James Macaulay and Alan Crawford give talks on Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Tell me a Story of Christmas

The Scottish Storytelling Centre invite older children and adults for 2 hours of family stories and Decorating the Yule Log.

Yule Festival Storytelling

Stories for the Midwinter Feast with mulled wine and mince pies.

Guid Crack Festival of Lights

The Guid Crack celebrates Christmas with guest storyteller Donny Henderson Shedlarz.

Favourite Books at Christmas

Christmas holidays can be a wonderful time to curl up in a chair and catch up on your reading - but which books do you reach for?

Lighting the Lamps - Stories and Songs for Advent

Stories, songs and poems for Advent.

Reading the Waves 2

The second evening of Reading the Waves features Tom Leonard.

Poems for Peace

A selection of readings from different faiths. With the Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities.

What's Wrong With Scottish Football?

Harry Reid will be launching his new book The Final Whistle.

The Daft Days: Midwinter Festive Eating in Scotland

Discover the delectable history of festive eating from the 'Daft Days'.

Poetry and Translation

An afternoon of poetry and translation with Pedro Lenz, Donal McLaughlin and Doony O'Rourke.