Sylvie Bermann is a French former career diplomat who served as the ambassador of France to the United Kingdom, ambassador of France to Russia, and as French ambassador to China in Beijing from 2011 until 2014. She is a graduate of Paris-Sorbonne University where she studied history.

From her unique perspective, Bermann explores the mistruths told by politicians surrounding the fateful 2016 Brexit referendum. Au Revoir Britannia asks the question 'How did this happen?' and exposes what she sees as the 'unrepenting' and 'inveterate' lie of the now PM, Boris Johnson.

She has also met and interviewed Vladimir Putin on a number of occasions and has been using this experience to comment on the war in Ukraine for French TV.

Sylvie will be in conversation with Neil MacKay

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £11. To book tickets or for more information, please visit https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/sylvie-bermann-goodbye-britannia

Part live and part digital event with John in the Mitchell Library and the cast and crew on screen.

The bond between a mother and her child is the strongest in the natural world. So why would a young woman, dreaming of America, throw her newborn baby into the waves of the wild Atlantic ocean? Life in the Scottish Hebrides can be harsh - The Edge of the World some call it. For Kirsty MacLeod, the love of Murdo promises a new life away from the scrape of the land and the repression of the church. But the Great War looms and the villages hold a grand Road Dance to send their young men off to battle. As the dancers swirl and sup, Kirsty is overpowered and raped by an unknown assailant. She hides her dark secret, fearful of what it will mean for her and the baby she is carrying.

Newscaster John MacKay’s novel, The Road Dance has been adapted for the big screen and just a week before the film goes on general release he’ll be joined virtually by some of the cast and crew. Chaired by Jeff Webb

This is an in-person event. Tickets cost £11. To book tickets or for more information, please visit https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/john-mackay-the-road-dance-from-page-to-screen-meet-the-author-director-cast

Renowned photographer Andy Hall draws on 40 years' teaching experience to convey the essence of the photographer's art. 

In this stunning visual retrospective, internationally renowned photographer Andy Hall draws on 40 years' teaching experience to convey the essence of the photographer's art. Decisive Moments will inspire everyone - from beginners to experienced practitioners - to achieve their full potential.

Exploring artistic elements in his own photography, Andy draws out the crucial importance of timing, light, composition, colour and design. Brief, clear and unambiguous descriptions show exactly how each image was captured. Above all, he sets out how to plan in order to anticipate that elusive 'decisive moment' and make the optimal image, in whatever environment.

Not only for photographers who want to deepen their potential, this book will also delight people who simply enjoy the visual world around them.

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £11. To book tickets or for more information, please visit https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/andy-hall-decisive-moments-a-guide-to-the-art-of-photography

Online sensations Stephen and Rab – The Kilted Coaches – sort out our health and happiness.

We all have goals, ambitions and dreams, but How do you overcome the obstacles you find in the way? How do you kick your negativity to the kerb? How do you become who you want to be?

In a characteristically Scottish blend of advice and banter, The Kilted Coaches channel their years of experience as life coaches and weight loss experts into bite-sized nuggets of advice designed to build confidence, positivity and ultimately that elusive future self in their new book, The Kilted Coaches: How to stick to the damn plan. Always down to earth (sometimes very literally), they demonstrate that whoever you are, wherever you are, you can win each day. In fact, we’re all just folk with our own lives and commitments, and every step towards health and happiness is a success. So, stick to the plan and win your life – even if you don’t have a kilt (but it helps).

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £11. To book tickets or for more information, please visit https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/stephen-clarke-and-rab-shields-the-kilted-coaches-how-to-stick-to-the-damn-plan

A major new introduction to Scottish literature by one of our most distinguished Professors.

This comprehensive 640-page introduction to Scottish literature spans centuries of fiction, poetry and drama from the likes of Robert Henryson to Irvine Welsh. Authored by Alan Riach, Professor of Scottish Literature at University of Glasgow, the book balances a study of individual literary works and writers, the historical context that surrounds them, and commentary from Riach himself.

Scottish Literature: An Introduction begins with two questions: ‘What is Scottish Literature?’ and ‘Why should you read it?’ A chronological series of 80 chapters on authors and works forms the core of the book. These include neglected writers and works alongside well-established ones subjected to a new revaluation. Incorporating his own experiences in studying these texts throughout, Riach imbues the work with an enthusiasm developed over a lifetime.

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £11. To book tickets or for more information, please visit https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/alan-riach-introducing-scottish-literature-in-hugh-macdiarmids-centenary-year

This event will be held in Gaelic with simultaneous translation into English provided.

Mòrag’s striking new novel, A’ Fàgail an Eilein, tells the story of Màiri who, after finding an old concert-programme amongst her late mother’s effects, is reminded of events in her own life, being twelve years old and still living on Skye. First love. Uncertainty. Illness. Secrecy. Changes and challenges. And finally, finding a new independence which she could never have foreseen. This is the first novel from the author of Dìleab Cholbhasach, and Cuibhle an Fhortain shortlisted for the Highland Society of London Prize for best fiction book at The Gaelic Literature Awards 2020.

Tha an nobhail ùr dhrùidhteach aig Mòrag, A’ Fàgail an Eilein, ag innse mu dheidhinn Màiri a lorgas prògram airson cuirm a bhuineadh do a màthair nach maireann. Fhad ’s a tha i a’ cur sùil air, tha cuimhneachain làidir a’ tilleadh thuice air atharrachaidhean a thachair anns an teaghlach agus na beatha fhèin nuair a bha i air stairsneach inbheachd. Ciad ghaol. Tinneas. Imrich, an-fhois, dìomhaireachd is dùbhlain. Agus a’ fàs neo-eisimeileach ann an dòigh nach robh dùil idir aice. Seo a’ chiad nobhail bho ùghdar Dìleab Cholbhasach, agus Cuibhle an Fhortain a bha air geàrr-liosta Duais Chomann Gàidhealach Lunnainn airson an leabhar ficsein as fheàrr aig Na Duaisean Litreachais 2020.

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £6. To book tickets or for more information, please visit https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/morag-law-a-fgail-an-eilein

Could Glasgow be a city where we can reach everything we need within 15 minutes on foot or by bike?

Cities define the lives of all those who call them home: where they go, how they get there, how they spend their time. But what if we built our cities differently? What if we travelled differently? What if we could get a cash-back on time and make it our own use it to live in a new way?

In this carefully researched and readily accessible book, Natalie Whittle interrogates the notion of the 15-minute city: its pros, its cons and its potential to revolutionise modern living. With global warming reaching a crisis point and Covid-19 responses bringing a previously unimaginable decline in commuting, Whittle’s timely book serves as a call to reflect on the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of our daily travel. Building her study around consideration of space and time, Whittle traverses both to collect models from ancient Athens to modern Paris and demonstrate how one idea could change our daily lives – and the world – for good.

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £11. To book tickets or for more information please visit https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/natalie-whittle-the-15-minute-city-global-change-through-local-living

An evening with award-winning writer, Angus Peter Campbell and literary translator, Johan Smith.

 Hear all about Angus Peter’s new novel, Constabal Murdo 2: murdo ann am marseille, the hilarious and uplifting sequel, which sees Constabal Murdo pursue an organised crime gang trafficking drugs in boxes of shellfish! Also get a behind-the-scenes look at Angus Peter’s recent Gaelic version of Orwell’s Animal Farm, Tuathanas nan Creutairean and Johan’s translation of Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, entitled An Gille, am Famh, An Sionnach ‘s an t-Each.

Feasgar còmhla ri sgrìobhadair cliùiteach, Aonghas Pàdraig Caimbeul agus eadar-theangair, Johan Nic a’ Ghobhainn.

 Faigh a-mach mun nobhail ùr èibhinn aig Aonghas Pàdraig, Constabal Murdo 2: murdo ann am marseille, anns am bi Murdo a’ falbh air thòir eucoirich a tha a’ sgaoileadh dhrugaichean ann am bogsaichean de mhaorach! Cuideachd faigh cothrom cluinntinn mu Thuathanas nan Creutairean, an tionndadh Gàidhlig aig Aonghas Pàdraig air Animal Farm le Seòras Orwell, agus an eadar-theangachadh aig Johan air The, Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse le Teàrlach Mackesy, air a bheil An Gille, am Famh, An Sionnach ‘s an t-Each.

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £6.60. To book tickets and for more information please visit https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/angus-peter-campbell-in-conversation-with-johan-smith

Film adaptation of John Mackay’s The Road Dance playing at the Nottingham International Film Festival.

A young girl lives in the Outer Hebrides in a small village in the years surrounding WWI. Isolated and hard by the shore, her life takes a dramatic turn when a terrible tragedy befalls her.

Directed by Richie Adams

Starring Hermione Corfield, Will Fletcher, Morven Christie, Ali Whitney and Mark Gatiss

116 Minutes - English Language

Includes Pre-Recorded Q&A with Richie Adams, Hermione Corfield, Mark Gatiss, Will Fletcher

This is an in-person event. Tickets cost £5. To book tickets or for more information, please visit https://www.nottiff.com/feature-films-2022/the-road-dance

Graham Hair, artistic director, presents: Ùrachadh | New Growth. Seven world premiere settings of contemporary Gaelic poetry.

Composers:

Graham Hair

Emily Doolittle

Margaret McAllister

Claire McCue

Alistair MacDonald

Peter Nelson

Oliver Iredale Searle

Poets:

Angus Peter Campbell

Rody Gorman

Aonghas MacNeacail

Flora MacPhail

Deborah Moffat

Martin O’Connor

Niall O’Gallagher

Seven world premieres:

Saoghal Dà Fhillte, Flora MacPhail/Graham

Hair Twofold

Air Sgeir an Ròin, Rody Gorman/ Emily Dolittle

On Seal Skerry

Oran Mor an Orain Mhòir, Aonghas MacNeacail/ Margaret McAllister

A Big Song for Oran Mor

An T-eun Nach D’rinn Sgèith, Niall O’Gallagher/ Claire McCue

The Bird that Never Flew

Gun ghrian, Angus Peter Campbell / Alistair MacDonald

Without the sun

Air Acair, Deborah Moffat/ Peter Nelson

At Anchor

A Sheumais, Martin O’Connor / Oliver Iredale Searle

James

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £11.37. To book tickets and for more information, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/concert-7-world-premieres-scottish-voices-tickets-293736683327

Join us in celebrating the launch of Serafina Crolla's new novel, Domenica. We will be adding a taste of Italy to the event with natural wine from Picinisco, a biscotti called Cambelline al Vino and a pecorino cheese regional to the setting of the book.

Domenica is a dramatic coming of age story. When Domenica is given the opportunity to marry her childhood sweetheart, she holds back, the time never feels right. Her family has always come first. Then the war breaks out, the battle of Monte Cassino described as “the hardest fought battle of WW2” is about to begin. The family of nine are forced to leave their home to escape Nazi soldiers raiding the village. Then an English soldier falls from the sky and he is only one more mouth to feed. Domenica boldly uses her determination to fight for a better life for her family, pushing aside her own wedding for the survival of her siblings. Will her family survive? Will she ever marry?

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £5-£10.99 and can be bought here https://www.edinburghbookshop.com/events or in-store at the Edinburgh Bookshop.

We ask that all attendees adhere to government coronavirus safety guidelines.

Join renowned Gaelic poets, Rody Gorman and Myles Campbell for a night of poetry to mark World Poetry Day. Mark Wringe will be in the chair for the event which will be held at An Crùbh.

Rody has many esteemed poetry collections to his name and in 2021, he was appointed as An Comunn Gaidhealach's Bard.

Myles has been Honorary Bard of Comunn Gàidhlig Inbhir Nis/Gaelic Society of Inverness since 2012. He has published ten collections of poetry and novels for teenagers and adults. These include Saoghal ùr (Diehard, 2003) , The two sides of the pass /Dà thaobh a’ bhealaich (Two Ravens, 2009) and Dòrlach Sìl (Luath Press, 2021).

This is event is hosted by The Gaelic Books Council and An Comunn Gàidhealach as part of World Gaelic Week, the first official culture and language week to be held in Scotland.

We ask that all attendees follow the government coronavirus guidelines.

This event is free, to register and for more information visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bardachd-aig-a-chrubh-tickets-266714719907

Live stream – Queen of Hearts: Mary Queen of Scots in Popular Culture + Q&A

Mary is not just Queen of Scots, but Queen of the movies. Like the plays, songs and ballads, the films from cinema's earliest days have portrayed the Mary we love to know - passionate, headstrong, and with a dash of adulterous spice. In this illustrated talk, Donald Smith celebrates the Mary of legend, while inviting the equally interesting Mary of history to step out of the silver screen shadows.

Donald Smith is the author of Ballad of the Five Marys which sheds light on popular myths surrounding Mary Queen of Scots and her courtiers, Marys Seton, Beaton, Livingston and Fleming. Smith’s unveiling of Mary’s life explores not only the historical events which led to her demise, but the relationships and emotions of an increasingly isolated young woman faced with political and religious upheaval and her country’s gradual loss of independence.

The event will include a Q&A and will have live captioning and is supported by British Sign Language.

The in-person event costs £5, to book tickets and for more information please visit https://www.hippodromecinema.co.uk/whats-on/queen-of-hearts-mary-queen-of-scots-in-popular-culture-talk/

The online live stream is free. To book tickets, and for more information, please visit https://www.hippodromecinema.co.uk/whats-on/live-stream-queen-of-hearts-mary-queen-of-scots-in-popular-culture-plus-qa/

We ask that all attendees adhere to government coronavirus guidelines.

A major new introduction to Scottish literature by one of our most distinguished Professors.

This comprehensive 640-page introduction to Scottish literature spans centuries of fiction, poetry and drama from the likes of Robert Henryson to Irvine Welsh. Authored by Alan Riach, Professor of Scottish Literature at University of Glasgow, the book balances a study of individual literary works and writers, the historical context that surrounds them, and commentary from Riach himself.

Scottish Literature: An Introduction begins with two questions: ‘What is Scottish Literature?’ and ‘Why should you read it?’ A chronological series of 80 chapters on authors and works forms the core of the book. These include neglected writers and works alongside well-established ones subjected to a new revaluation. Incorporating his own experiences in studying these texts throughout, Riach imbues the work with an enthusiasm developed over a lifetime.

This is a live, in-person event. Tickets cost £11. To book tickets or for more information please visit https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/alan-riach-introducing-scottish-literature-in-hugh-macdiarmids-centenary-year

As part of Scotland’s International Poetry Festival, Stanza, this event marks 100 years of Geroge Mackay Brown’s work. The event will include readings and performances from Jim Mackintosh, John Glenday, Andy Jackson, Gerda Stevenson, Beth McDonough, Marcus Mac an Tuairneir, Julie McNeill, and Morag Anderson.

“A celebration of the centenary of Orkney poet George Mackay Brown, this afternoon’s event will feature poetry inspired by his writing from Beth McDonough, Marcus Mac an Tuairneir, John Glenday, Julie McNeill, Andy Jackson and Morag Anderson, hosted by poet Jim Mackintosh. The event will also feature the short film The Storm Watchers, commissioned by the 2021 St Magnus Festival and directed by Gerda Stevenson, who will provide a short introduction.”

This is an in-person event. We ask that all attendees follow government coronavirus guidelines.

Tickets cost £3-£7. To book a ticket, and for more information, please visit https://stanzapoetry.org/events/beyond-the-swelkie/

Having already visited Christchurch, Harare and Quito, it’s time for our Round the World ticket to arrive home, in the first of a series of Zoom readings featuring Scottish / UK poets, or those whose work has a Scottish theme. Today’s lunchtime event features two very different ‘what if’ narratives. US-based poet Shara McCallum will read from No Ruined Stone, a verse novel based on the real life of Robert Burns and his proposed migration to Jamaica to work on a slave plantation: ‘what would have happened had he gone?’ Hugh McMillan’s new work starts out from a fascination with historical narratives that bear only a tangential relationship to fact (if indeed such a thing exists), while playfully creating new invented narratives, because whyever not?

This ticket is for the live event in St Andrews  – both poets will be appearing via Zoom, with Assistant Festival Director Annie Rutherford appearing live from the festival.

Tickets are £3 and are available from the Stanza Poetry Festival event page here: https://stanzapoetry.org/events/round-the-world-returns-home/

To kick off another year of Stanza, Scotland’s International Poetry Festival in St Andrews, this exciting launch will include readings from Kathleen Jamie, Peter Mackay, Jen Hadfield and Hannah Lavery, music from Don Paterson and Graeme Stephen, and a few extra cameos.

Celebrating their return to St Andrews (Byres Theatre) the launch will have some of Scotland’s best-loved poets and musicians.

“Featuring poetry from Scotland’s new Makar (and local Fife poet) Kathleen Jamie, Shetland’s Jen Hadfield, Lewis-man Peter Mackay, and Edinburgh / East Lothian’s Hannah Lavery; music from Angus’s finest poet-cum-jazz-musician Don Paterson and Aberdonian Graeme Stephen; and words from Gallovidian Festival Director Lucy Burnett and Glaswegian-New Zealander Robyn Marsack… plus a few surprise cameo appearances. An evening simply not to miss!”

This is an in-person event. We ask that all attendees follow government coronavirus guidelines.

Tickets cost £8-£12. To book this event, and for more information, please visit https://stanzapoetry.org/events/festival-launch-extravaganza/

Join the Scottish PEN Women Writers Committee as they celebrate International Women’s Day 2022.

This is an online open mic session with eight women poets, including Noon Salah Eldin, Marjorie Lotfie, Hannah Lavery, Anne Pia and Aileen Ballantyne. Aileen Ballantyne with be taking readings from her collection, Taking Flight.

The event aims to create a warm and welcoming space for women writers to build new connections and share their work.

This event is free. To register and for more information, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-event-tickets-256102307897?keep_tld=1

Children in Scotland and James McEnaney host webinar discussing ‘closing the attainment gap’.

In recent years, Scottish education has been dominated by talk of ‘closing the attainment gap’ – but what does that really mean, how much progress has been made, and do we have any hope of success? Join James McEnaney, author of Class Rules: the truth about Scotland’s schools, as he separates the rhetoric from the reality, uncovers the truth about the challenges facing schools, and considers what actions we could take to really make a difference for young people facing poverty and deprivation. The following questions will be tackled:

• What is the attainment gap and how do we measure it?

• What does the data really tell us?

• What did we learn from the 2020 results scandal?

• Can schools close the attainment gap? Can anyone?

• What can we do for young people facing deprivation?

This event will be online on Zoom.

To register and for more information please visit https://childreninscotland.eventbritestudio.com/230301918237. Tickets cost £35.

As part of the Paisley book festival, and in collaboration with Publishing Scotland, Anne Pia and her editor, Jennie Renton, discuss publishing debut work later in life alongside Mick Kitson and his editor Jo Dingley.

Your book has been signed up with a publisher: What happens now? What is the work that goes into making a story the best it can be?

In this event, we’ll bring together a duo of authors, both of whom had their debuts later in life, alongside their editors, to discuss the life experience and influences behind the work, as well as the working relationship between author and editor, the vital collaboration that brings books to their fantastic final form. Join Anne Pia, author of creative memoir Language of my Choosing and poetry collection Transitory, and her editor Jennie Renton; alongside Mick Kitson, winner of the Saltire First Book Award for his debut novel Sal, whose latest novel is Featherweight, with his editor Jo Dingley.

Curated by Publishing Scotland as part of their Year of Scotland’s Stories events strand, these events look to spotlight the brilliant talent thriving within Scotland’s publishing scene and invite readers to learn more about the inner workings of the book industry.

This is an in-person event. We ask that all attendees adhere to government coronavirus guidelines and take a lateral flow test before the event. Please do not attend the event if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or have received a positive test result.

Tickets are between £8-£10. For more information, please visit https://paisleybookfest.com/programme/shaping-scotlands-stories-from-inspiration-to-publication/?portfolioCats=60%2C61%2C63%2C59%2C62

Join Andy Hall at the Grassic Gibbon Centre for an illustrated talk and book signing to celebrate the launch of his new book, Decisive Moments: A Guide to the Art of Photography

If you enjoy photography as a beginner, as a seasoned campaigner or even if you just simply relish the light, colour and designs of the visual world around you, Andy will lead you on a journey through some of the most successful images of his thirty-year photographic career. On the way, he will explain how he achieved them and will demonstrate how to bring out the photographic artist in all of us, even if it is on your phone.

Renowned photographer, teacher and author Lee Frost describes the value of 'Decisive Moments':

‘Andy’s latest book is packed with inspiring images and invaluable advice. If you’re keen to improve your photography, or discover a new way of seeing the world, you’ll find everything you need right here.’

This free event will have an opportunity to buy a signed copy after the talk while enjoying some light refreshments.

‘A refreshingly accessible window into the art of the photograph: straightforward and direct; devoid of jargon; high on inspiration’ Rory Macdonald, Runrig

We ask that all attendees follow current government guidelines and wear a facemask. Please do not attend this event if you have symptoms of coronavirus or have had a positive lateral flow test.

This event is free, but booking is essential. To book a place in the audience, please phone the Grassic Gibbon Centre on 01561 361668 or email manager@grassicgibbon.com from the 10th of February when the Centre will be preparing for the opening of the new season on the 14th of February. For those of you who haven’t been before, directions to the Centre can be found on www.grassicgibbon.com.

For more information please visit https://www.grassicgibbon.com/event/andy-hall-book-launch/

Poet Hugh McMillan will be leading the walk through Dumfries and finishing with a poem and a dram.

Tickets are £10 and are available from the Big Burns Supper website here: http://bigburnssupper.com/event/from-bruce-to-burns-a-walk-through-dumfries/

Whit If by Hugh McMillan

Haphazardy in the Starless Night by Hugh McMillan

Who needs a gym when you have Scotland?

The Kilted Coaches, also known as Stephen Clarke and Rab Shields, share their secrets on sticking to the damn plan. In a characteristically Scottish blend of advice and banter, The Kilted Coaches channel their years of experience as life coaches into bite-sized nuggets of advice designed to build confidence, positivity and ultimately that elusive future self. Always down to earth (sometimes very literally), they demonstrate that whoever you are, wherever you are, you can win each day. In fact, we’re all just folk with our own lives and commitments, and every step towards health and happiness is a success. So, stick to the plan and win your life – even if you don’t have a kilt (although that helps).

Join us for an evening of guaranteed fun and inspiration with Stephen and Rab next January!

Topping & Co. Edinburgh provide disabled access.

Tickets range from £5 to £14.99. For more information please visit https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/edinburgh/the-kilted-coaches/ or call 0131 546 4202.

The Glasgow Effect: online discussion with Ellie Harrison

Join author Ellie Harrison for a Q&A with Marianne Brown, followed by an interactive book club chat. They will discuss the second edition of The Glasgow Effect.

Please email your questions for Ellie and the discussion afterwards to bookclub@resurgence.org with the subject line QUESTION FOR BOOK CLUB. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the meeting via the Zoom online chat.

This event is free. To book tickets please visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/theresurgencecentre/597968#. Any donations will support The Resurgence Trust, an educational charity (no. 1120414).

For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/270457508274981/

Laura Bissell launches her new book, 'Bubbles: Reflections on Becoming Mother', with Outwith Books

Educator, performance researcher and mother, Laura Bissell writes about the two positive tests that changed her life, a pregnancy test and a covid test. In this poignantly personal account, Laura explores how her very own bubble of three – a mother, father and child – navigated a year of isolated family life, and are continuing to come to terms with the after-effects the pandemic has had on parenting.

Laura will be giving readings and talking about Bubbles, with a Q & A at the end. Attendees are welcome to join her and continue the celebrations at Bungo’s afterwards.

This event is free. For tickets and information please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launch-bubbles-reflections-on-becoming-mother-by-laura-bissell-tickets-221935193137

Charlie Mackesy, author of the bestselling, illustrated book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, will join author and translator Matthew Fitt in conversation in an online event with the National Library of Scotland.

Charlie Mackesy’s bestselling book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has been warming hearts all over the world, now translated into over 17 languages, with its messages of kindness, love and friendship are woven into a beautiful tale and gorgeous illustrations.

Matthew's creative rendition of Charlie’s book into Scots has been published as The Laddie, the Mowdie, the Tod and the Cuddie. He previously translated J K Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, as well as books by Roald Dahl and David Walliams.

This event is free. For tickets and more information please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charlie-mackesy-matthew-fitt-the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse-tickets-217491963317

Celebrate with Magi Gibson the publication of the 21st anniversary edition of this iconic poetry collection, Wild Women of a Certain Age.

Celebrate with Magi Gibson the publication of the 21st anniversary edition of this iconic poetry collection, Wild Women of a Certain Age. It includes a new intro - and a few poems missed out first time round.

This special online event will be hosted by Jenny Lindsay. Magi will read some of the best loved poems from this unashamed celebration of womanhood, from the searing condemnation of the judiciary in 'no angel' to mischievous poems where the Faerie Queen and the mythical Queen Maeve are given a 21st century right of reply.

There will be time for questions from you, the audience - and wildness!

So get the date in the diary - and the gin in - now!

This event is free. For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-launch-wild-women-of-a-certain-age-by-magi-gibson-tickets-213711024427?ref=estw.

Hugh McMillan will be launching his new books Whit If and Haphazardly in the Starless Night at Waterstones Dumfries on Thursday 9 December.

Expect history, a bit of lyricism, wine and poetry.

This event is FREE and tickets are available to book from Waterstones by either email (dumfries@waterstones.com) or by phone: 01387 254288.

Celebrate with Magi Gibson the publication of the 21st Anniversary Edition of this iconic poetry collection! It includes a new intro - and a few poems missed out first time round.

In the 'Wee Dram' Magi will read some of the best loved poems of this celebration of womanhood, from the searing indictment of a judge in 'no angel', to the mischievous & empowering 'Queen Maeve' series. There will be time for questions, book-buying and signing - and wildness! Yes! There will be wildness!

This event is free - more information is available on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/435574614633719/?ref=newsfeed

Book can be pre-ordered here: https://www.luath.co.uk/produ.../wild-women-of-a-certain-age