Kirkcudbright Book Week celebrates the authors of today and remembers writers from the past (this year features events dedicated to Romantic literary figure John Keats and famed Galloway poet William Neill) – but there is also a strong emphasis on finding the writers of tomorrow.
An important part of that work is a project featuring young writers from Kirkcudbright Academy, whose work can be enjoyed in an exhibition of poetry at Kirkcudbright Library, in Daar Road, during Book Week (March 4-10).
The project is a collaboration between the Academy and lead tutor Hugh McMillan, supported by fellow poet Stuart Paterson, and Kirkcudbright Book Week Society, which runs the town’s annual literary celebration
Now in its second year after The Holywood Trust agreed to extend its sponsorship for a further year, the project has seen a range of work produced by the students.
Entitled ‘Among the Oranges’, the exhibition features poetry which emerged from the workshops which were funded by the Holywood Trust and run in the school by professional writers.
Hugh McMillan, a poet and the main organiser of the project, said: “There is great quality and range on display in the exhibition.
“The students tackle issues, some very personal, with both skill and sensitivity. I defy people to read these poems and not come way deeply struck by the talent that lies behind them.”
The exhibition is just the start. An anthology is planned for May, which will include many more pupils’ work.
If you wish to enjoy more work by young local writers, the winners of the Kirkcudbright Book Week Society/Kirkcudbright Library Ghost Story Competition for young writers will be announced at a free event at 7pm on Thursday March 7 as part of the library’s contribution to World Book Day. Although it is a free event, places need to be booked. Tickets, including for free events which require them, can be acquired via Eventbrite at http://www.eventbrite.co.uk or you can follow the link direct from www.kirkcudbrightbookweek.org at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/kirkcudbright-book-week-2024-2757849
Kirkcudbright Book Week 