An evening with Hugh McMillan and Donald S Murray as part of the Kingussie Festival of Words.

Spend a while with poets and authors Hugh McMillan and Donald S Murray as they talk about their approach to writing, their recent books, maybe some less recent books too; with some readings.

Refreshments available.

Hugh McMillan is a poet and writer from south-west Scotland who has been published and anthologised widely. An award winner in competitions including the Smith/Doorstep Pamphlet Prize, the Callum MacDonald Prize and the Cardiff International Poetry Competition, he has also been shortlisted for the Michael Marks Prize, the Basil Bunting Poetry Award and the Bridport Prize.

Donald S. Murray was born in Ness in the Isle of Lewis. An author and journalist, his poetry, prose and verse has been shortlisted for both the Saltire Award and Callum Macdonald Memorial Award. Published widely, his work has also appeared in a number of national anthologies and on BBC Radio 4 and Radio Scotland. He lives and works in Shetland.

For more information please follow the link below.

Join Donald Smith as part of Kingussie Festival of Words.

Donald will talk about storytelling and its importance to Scotland’s people as oral history within groups of kith and kin, and as a method of education and the passing on of folklore.

Refreshments available.

Donald Smith is a renowned storyteller, founding Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and an experienced playwright and theatre producer. He was also a founding Director of the National Theatre of Scotland, for which he campaigned over a decade. Born in Glasgow of Irish parentage, Donald Smith was brought up in Scotland, immersed in its artistic and cultural life. Smith’s non-fiction includes Storytelling Scotland: A Nation in Narrative, God, the Poet and the Devil: Robert Burns and Religion and Arthur’s Seat: Journeys and Evocations, co-authored with Stuart McHardy. His Freedom and Faith provides an insightful longterm perspective on the ongoing Independence debate, while Pilgrim Guide to Scotland recovers the nation’s sacred geography. Donald Smith is currently Director of Tracs (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), based at the Storytelling Centre.

For more information please follow the link below.

Tayside poets John Glenday, Dawn Wood and Andy Jackson read a selection of poems from the acclaimed Scotia Extremis anthology, a treasure trove of poems featuring icons of Scottish popular culture. From The Alexander Brothers to The Proclaimers, from the White Heather Club to the People's Friend, from James Boswell to Archie Gemmill, experience Scotland in bright and entertaining verse.

This event is part of the Solas Festival. For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

Alistair Braidwood runs the website Scots Whay Hae! as well as hosting the accompanying podcast where he talks to some of the most interesting names involved in Scottish culture and the arts. Alistair will be in conversation with authors Graeme Thomson and Catriona Child. Graeme Thomson has written several critically acclaimed music biographies, including on Kate Bush, George Harrison, and John Martyn. His recent book is Themes For Great Cities: A New History Of Simple Minds, Catriona Child is a Scottish novelist, author of four novels including Fade Into You (2023) and Trackman (2012), hailed for her fresh Scottish writing talent. 

This event is part of the Solas Festival. For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

The Asia Scotland Institute are delighted to host Bashabi Fraser, who will be in conversation with Roddy Gow discussing her two recent poetry collections: Habitat (2023) and Patient Dignity (2021). 

Speaker Bio:

Dr Bashabi Fraser, CBE, HonFASL, is an award-winning poet, children’s writer, translator, editor and academic. She is Professor Emerita of English and Creative Writing at Edinburgh Napier University and Co-Founder and Director of the Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies (ScoTs). Bashabi has written and edited 25 books, published several articles/chapters in international journals/books and has been widely anthologised as a poet.  She is on the Editorial Board of several international journals and is Chief Editor of Gitanjali and Beyond. Bashabi is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow, an Hon’y Fellow at CSAS, University of Edinburgh and has been declared an Outstanding Woman of Scotland by the Saltire Society in 2015.

To book tickets please follow the link below.

Scottish PEN invites members and other guests to attend this annual event, which this year will be held in The Saltire Society on Edinburgh's High Street. The event will run from 19.00 - 20.30 pm on Thursday 30th May, 2024.

This yearly lecture is held in honour of one of the Scottish Literary Renaissance's most redoubtable figures. Helen Cruikshank was a poet, a suffragette and a focal point of the literary resurgence in Edinbugh in the 1920s-40s. She volunteered for fire-watching during the War and was a keen follower of the Edinburgh Film Festival in the post-War years.

She published many collections of poetry and her autobiography, Octobiography, on her eightieth birthday. Her last poem, which is about a woman who is too busy to wait for death, was left unfinished.

Please note: this event is ticketed. Tickets: £5.00.

Gerda Stevenson

Gerda Stevenson trained at RADA and is an award-winning actor, singer-songwriter and director whose has worked in theatre, television, radio film and opera throughout Britain and abroad. Her poetry, prose and drama have been widely staged and broadcast. She has written 'orginal plays' for BBC4 and dramatizations of classic novels. She won a BAFTA award for best actress for the lead role in Margaret Tait's film 'Blue Black Permanent'. a YES arts poetry festival award and a Robert Tannahill Poetry Prize. Appearances in film/television roles include BRAVEHEART, MIDSOMET MURDERS, HEARTBEAT, THE BILL and TAGGART. She was Associate Director of Communicado Theatre and the founder or STELLAR QUINES, Scotland's leading women's theatre company.

Gerda will speak about her career in terms of Writing and Performing, a subject close to her heart and her experience.

For more information and to book tickets, please follow the link below.

Join Lesley Riddoch at the Shetland Museum & Archives to discover what makes Denmark one of the happiest countries in the world. Discover the secrets behind Denmark's success, as Riddoch delves into the nation's societal values, welfare system, and cultural ethos that have earned it global recognition. The film offers a poignant exploration of what defines happiness and how it can be cultivated in a modern society. 'Denmark: State of Happiness' is a thought-provoking ode to the pursuit of joy and the lessons we can learn from one of the world's happiest nations.

Includes Q&A with Lesley Riddoch.

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

A one-off screeing in Orkney of this Denmark: The State of Happiness by Lesley Riddoch showing how the Danes do things and how their successes could be applied in Orkney and beyond.

'A tantalising glimpse of what Scotland could be like and what we deserve...' Val McDermid

Film 1 hour with 1 hour Q&A/Discussion. Tickets also available on the door.

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

Tapping into the rich cultural heritage and vibrant artistic performers of this area, local choir Cairn Chorus and guest collaborators have created an exciting multi-media project for 2024, featuring music, words, soundscapes and images inspired by our environment, including new commissions from Emily Smith, Jamie McClennan and Hugh McMillan.

www.cairnchorus.co.uk

This event is part of the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival. For more information and to book, please follow the link below.

Tapping into the rich cultural heritage and vibrant artistic performers of this area, local choir Cairn Chorus and guest collaborators have created an exciting multi-media project for 2024, featuring music, words, soundscapes and images inspired by our environment, including new commissions from Emily Smith, Jamie McClennan and Hugh McMillan.

www.cairnchorus.co.uk

This event is part of the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival. For more information and to book, please follow the link below.

An evening of celebration at Hampden Park.
Join Julie McNeill for the launch of We Are Scottish Football. A Collection of poetry to get us fired up for the Euros. Hosted by Hugh McMillan, Julie will be joined by photographer Campbell Ramage and Fitba Makars Stephen Watt and Hamish MacDonald with music from Hunter & McMustard (Colonel Mustard and the dijon 5).
A very special evening of football, poetry and music.

With a pen dipped in passion, McNeill explores the emotional landscape of football, bringing to life the highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations that define the beautiful game in Scotland.

Her verses transport readers to the electric atmosphere of packed stadiums, where every cheer and roar reverberates through the pages. With eloquence and insight, We Are Scottish Football stands as a poetic tribute, capturing the soul-stirring drama and unwavering devotion that make Scottish football an enduring and enchanting spectacle.

In this wonderful book of poems and photographs Julie McNeill ties together the past and present of the game and highlights some of its outstanding moments, personalities and controversies. ROSE REILLY MBE, World Cup Winning Footballer

A must-read for any fan of football, history, poetry and Scotland. IAN MAXWELL, CEO SFA

In this unique and vivid collection of poems and photographs Julie McNeill makes sure we don’t forget the impact our footballing history has had on the world. STUART COSGROVE, author & presenter

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

A film as warm and witty as its main character, TO SEE OURSELVES is a moving portrait of grass roots organising during Scotland’s independence, focussing on Musselburgh-based activist and local councillor Fraser McAllister and his tireless efforts for a better future.

The film will be introduced with songs from Stuart McHardy (author of The Wey Forrit) and followed with a discussion with the filmmakers and Fraser himself, hosted by Bella Caledonia’s Mike Small.

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

he Three Maries - Three authors and Mary, Queen of Scots

To celebrate the launch of Barbara Henderson's new Mary, Queen of Scots adventure – The Boy, the Witch and the Queen of Scots – the author is joined by fellow writers Theresa Breslin and Alex Nye, each with their own perspective on the famous queen. Expect drama and interactive family fun as well as readings, royal chat and an all-author book signing. A must-see for readers young and old, history lovers, teachers and librarians!

The Boy, the Witch & the Queen of Scots
Not the Palace.

Anywhere but the Palace.

12-year-old Alexander Buchan was once content, training as a falconer at Strathbogie Castle in Huntly. But when his Earl sends him to Edinburgh to the court of the newly arrived Mary, Queen of Scots, the boy finds himself lured into a world of intrigue, terror and treachery. Alexander knows right from wrong, but how can he hope to outwit the Earl's murderous messenger? Surely no one can defy such a powerful master whose wife is rumoured to be a witch!

Soon, more than the boy's own life is at stake: his friend Lizzie is arrested and the the angry clouds of Reformation Scotland gather around the young Queen. 

It seems that Alexander must spy – or die.

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

Renowned Ayrshire poet, Rab Wilson will read from his new Strike diary and poetry collection book Collier Laddie – a first hand account of being on strike for almost a year during the national Miners’ Strike. The 1984–1985 Miners’ Strike was the most vicious, damaging and politically motivated industrial dispute in the UK during the twentieth century.

This event is part of the Girvan Folk Festival. For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

Denmark

THE STATE OF HAPPINESS

They are judged the happiest people on earth, with the world’s best energy system, a GDP per capita almost a third higher than Britain, more bikes in daily use than the Netherlands, a swim just 15 mins away from every Copenhagen resident and state-run TV that changed the face of drama with Borgen, the Killing and the Bridge. Yet Denmark is small (with about half Scotland's land mass and the same population). It has less oil/coal/gas to fuel its economy and lost an empire - just like Britain. Yet the Danes have bounced back to become the modern, eco-leaders of Europe. How did they do it?

The new film from Lesley Riddoch, made with Charlie Stuart has a run time of 60 minutes. It's the latest in the series of Nordic films that includes Norway, Iceland, Faroes and Estonia and was produced courtesy of the Scottish Independence Foundation and Dr Simon Forrest.

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

Join the Fine Art Society on Thursday, 2nd May to celebrate the launch of Scottish Art and Artists in Historical and Contemporary Context. Author Bill Hare will be in conversation with Sandy Moffat, artist and former Head of Painting and Printmaking at Glasgow School of Art, followed by drinks and a book signing. The book will be available to purchase.

About the book

In comparison with many who write about contemporary art, Hare is never self indulgent or wilfully obscure – there is no bogus theorising to be found here. From the Foreword by ALEXANDER MOFFAT

Alan Davie • Eduardo Paolozzi • William Turnbull • Janet Boulton • Ian Hamilton Finlay • Joan Eardley • Anthony Hatwell • Colquhoun and MacBryde • Boyle Family • Jack Knox • Barbara Rae • Lys Hansen • Joyce Cairns • Doug Cocker • John Kirkwood • Steven Campbell • Ken Currie • Peter Howson • Henry Kondracki • Paul Reid • Iain Robertson • Douglas Gordon

This book is a wide-ranging exploration of Scottish art and artists by one of Scotland’s leading art historians. Navigating the intricacies of aesthetic debate with attitude and aplomb, Bill Hare examines the historical forces that have shaped Scottish art. His elegant, approachable writings are a treasure-house of informed discourse.

Illuminating and perennially relevant, these essays offer stimulating perspectives and nuanced insights into the confluence of passion, mystery and myth that lies at the heart of the best of Scottish art.

This is a free, ticketed event. To RSVP please contact art@thefineartsociety.com or 0131 557 4050

Featuring

Deacon Blue – Capercaillie – RURA – James Grant – Siobhan Miller – Admiral Fallow – Duncan Chisholm & Ross Ainslie – Kitti – Jim Mackintosh – Julie McNeill - & More TBA

All net proceeds go to MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians)

In a powerful statement of solidarity and humanitarian support, a Glasgow Gig for Gaza will take place in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Wednesday 1 May 2024. With an unparalleled line-up of musical luminaries, this concert promises to be an unforgettable night of music, compassion, and unity.

Renowned for their soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, Deacon Blue have been recognised as an iconic band in the Scottish music scene since the 1980s, captivating audiences worldwide with hits like ‘Dignity’ and ‘Real Gone Kid’, along with essential current releases. 

Scottish folk royalty Capercaillie are world-renowned for their fusion of traditional Scottish music with a contemporary sound and promise to enchant the audience with their captivating melodies, Gaelic-inspired tunes, and infectious rhythms. 

James Grant, acclaimed singer-songwriter, former frontman of Love and Money and consummate storyteller, will bring his soulful voice and poignant storytelling to the stage while Siobhan Miller, a leading light in the contemporary Scottish folk scene, will showcase her haunting vocals and emotive song writing.

RURA are a multi award-winning act and one of Scotland’s most sought-after folk bands. With three heralded albums, they affirmed their position as one of Scotland’s leading instrumental groups with their recent sold-out Barrowlands show.

Admiral Fallow, one of Scotland’s most cherished acts, will showcase their eclectic blend of indie folk, chamber pop and cinematic soundscapes, while Duncan Chisholm, master of the Scottish fiddle, will showcase his virtuosity alongside revered piper Ross Ainslie weaving intricate melodies that echo the spirit of the Highlands.

Kitti, winner of best vocalist in the Scottish Jazz Awards in multiple years is an emerging talent with a voice that defies her years, while award winning Scottish poets Jim Mackintosh and Julie McNeill will read poetry from their own repertoire, along with new work from poets still currently in Gaza.

The defining factor that brings these great artists is that of compassion and support for those innocent families who find themselves caught in a Gaza conflict that has left them homeless and starving. All profits from the concert will go to the British charity ‘Medical Aid for Palestinians’, a recognised organisation formed 37 years ago to provide medical services in the West Bank, Gaza and to advocate for Palestinians' rights to health and dignity.

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

"Stories From the Edge of Chaos"

Maiden Mother Crone is embarking on an extraordinary journey, diving deep into the tales that challenge the fabric of our perceived reality.

This series is an exploration of those who've danced with the tumultuous tides of change and emerged with insights that redefine what we know.

This is more than history; it's a movement. Inspired by ancient wisdom, they’re crafting a future through the stories we choose to remember and tell.

First in this series, we ReMember: Agnes Finnie - The Noble Witch

Agnes Finnie's life is a testament to the power of defiance in the face of injustice. As an Edinburgh woman accused of witchcraft in 1644, her story challenges us to reconsider the narratives we've inherited about power, autonomy, and resistance.

Mary W. Craig - historian and author of Agnes Finnie: The Witch of Potterrow Port will be leading you through Agnes's life, looking at the chaos she faced and how she navigated it.

Founder & Alchemist Dawn Eva Berry will then guide you through mapping our individual understandings into a collective one.

Then, Mythologist Dr. Will Linn will guide you in ReMembering Agnes' story. Together, we'll witness her transformation from scapegoat to hero, reclaiming her strength into our collective memory as a beacon of resilience and autonomy for us all.

"The new hero's journey is a collective one."

ReMembering is more than an exploration of historical figures; it's a call to reclaim their strength, wisdom, and spirit into our lives today.

This is your invitation to be part of a community that looks beyond the veil of history to find inspiration, meaning, and a sense of empowered belonging.

Don't miss this chance to connect with the past in a way that illuminates our path forward.

Let's discover the power of stories to transform our world together.

For more information and to book, please follow the link below.

A screening of the latest in her series about the Nordic nations in which Lesley Riddoch investigates how Denmark, a small independent country of similar size to Scotland, has come to be regarded as one of the happiest nations on Earth. The event will also include a Q&A session with Lesley following the film. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm showing.

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

Denmark - the State of Happiness, is the latest in a series of films by Lesley Riddoch and Charlie Stuart which aim to challenge preconceptions about how small countries can be run.

The film is currently on tour around Scotland and will include a chance to pose questions to Ms Riddoch after the screening.

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

2024 marks the anniversary of the lifting of the controversial ‘ban’ on women’s football in Scotland. Three football enthusiasts – poet Julie McNeill and sport historians Prof Fiona Skillen and Dr Karen Fraser – have teamed up to mark this important milestone bringing together the forgotten history, legacy and voices of Scottish Women’s Football. Footballing stories, legacies, rituals and memories are captured uniquely in poetry and prose celebrating the breadth of voices which make up the rich tapestry of Scottish Women’s Football. Untold tales are brought to life, hidden histories are uncovered and everyday stories of women defying the odds are captured and celebrated in this entertaining and enlightening session.

Part of Paisley Book Festival’s The Beautiful Game series, in which we invite authors to reflect on their experiences as players, managers and fans of the nation’s favourite sport.

This event is part of the Paisley Book Festival. For more information and to book, please follow the link below.

Ever wondered what it’s like to write in Gaelic? Paisley Book Festival are delighted to welcome Glasgow-based writer Shelagh Campbell to the festival to chat about her new novel, Far na Slighe, published just last month, in a bilingual event suitable for both Gaelic and English speakers. In the first half of the event, Shelagh will read from the book and chat about her experience of writing in Gaelic with the Director of the Gaelic Books Council, Alison Lang. In the second half of the event, Shelagh will lead a gentle creative writing workshop for those who want to take part and give writing in Gaelic a try for themselves – no prior writing experience is necessary.

A bheil ùidh agad ann an sgrìobhadh anns a’ Ghàidhlig? Tha sinn air ar dòigh fàilte a chur air Shelagh Chaimbeul, sgrìobhadair à Glaschu, a bhios a’ bruidhinn aig an fhèis mun nobhail ùir aice, Far na Slighe, a chaidh fhoillseachadh sa Mhàrt. Bidh an tachartas seo dà-chànanach agus freagarrach don a h-uile duine. Anns a’ chiad leth den tachartas, bidh Shelagh a’ leughadh bhon nobhail agus a’ bruidhinn mu dheidhinn sgrìobhadh sa Ghàidhlig ann an còmhradh le Alison Lang, Stiùiriche Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean. Anns an dàrna leth, bidh Shelagh a’ stiùireadh bùth-obrach aotrom, neo-fhoirmeil ann an sgrìobhadh chruthachail dhaibhsan a tha airson feuchainn ri sgrìobhadh sa Ghàidhlig. Chan eil eòlas sam bith air sgrìobhadh deatamach.

This event is part of the Paisley Book Festival. For more information and to book, please follow the link below.

Barbara Henderson returns to Paisley Book Festival with her new book, The Boy, the Witch and the Queen of Scots, told from the perspective of a young falconer boy. Interactive drama and games as well as readings from the novel will see pupils explore the time of Mary Queen of Scots, as well as Paisley’s own royal connection with the Stewarts in King Robert II. The session will equip children to create their own piece of writing from an unusual perspective, with a resource for schools to take away and use.

Barbara Henderson is the award-winning author of eleven books. Her historical fiction is widely studied in Scottish schools and has won several prizes, including two Young Quills Awards from the Historical Association. She has just completed a year as Forth Bridge Writer in Residence. Barbara is based in Inverness where she still teaches Drama in a primary school, but she loves to travel to spread the story-love and get young people on their feet!

Friday 26th April

• Schools Attending: Arkleston Primary P6,  Gallowhill Primary P6,  Heriot Primary P6,  St Catherine’s Primary P6

• Venues: Paisley Town Hall & Foxbar Library

Contact the Paisley Book Festival School Programme Committee at pbfschools@renfrewshire.gov.uk for further information.

Poets in Paisley presents An Evening With Nutmeg, Scottish football’s finest print magazine. Join us as Nutmeg Editor and football writer Daniel Gray interviews the legendary Rose Reilly and crime novelist and founder of the Scotland Crime Writers’ football team, Craig Robertson. Interspersed with poetry celebrating the beautiful game from multi award-winning poets Graham Fulton, Stephen Watt and Julie McNeill, this unique event will be a lively celebration of our national game.

Part of The Beautiful Game series, in which they invite authors to reflect on their experiences as players, managers and fans of the nation’s favourite sport.

This event is part of the Paisley Book Festival. For more information and to book, please follow the link below.

Speak Oot: Dundee’s Festival of Trade Unionism

Join Neil Findlay for a book event and discussion around his book, If You Don’t Run, They Can’t Chase You.

We must examine the campaigns and struggles people have gone through, listen to their stories, study their actions and in turn look at the world now, and apply what we have learnt to build new movements to campaign and deliver the changes we want to see.

Neil Findlay brings together stories from the frontline in the fight for social justice in the awe-inspiring compendium, If You Don’t Run, They Can’t Chase You.

Some of the actions recorded were victorious, some were not; but all of them are an opportunity to learn about the human spirit, about promoting and defending ideals and principles, about personal strength, collective action, leadership, justice, democracy and common decency.

This collection has been brought together to help us better understand the shoulders on which we stand today and how to make the world a better place.

For more information on this event and the Speak Oot festival, please follow the link below or contact speakoot@gmail.com

Join Waterstones Inverness on the 20th April at 11am to celebrate the launch of The Boy, The Witch & The Queen of Scots, a  new children's novel by award winning author Barbara Henderson. 
Expect spying games, interactive drama and royal riddles - and be the first to get your copy of this brand new book signed!

No.
Not the Palace.
Anywhere but the Palace.

12-year-old Alexander Buchan was once content, training as a falconer at Strathbogie Castle in Huntly. But when his Earl sends him to Edinburgh to the court of the newly arrived Mary, Queen of Scots, the boy finds himself lured into a world of intrigue, terror and treachery. Alexander knows right from wrong, but how can he hope to outwit his master's murderous messenger'? Surely no one can defy an Earl – especially one whose wife is rumoured to be a witch!

Soon, more than the boy’s own life is at stake: his friend Lizzie is arrested and the angry clouds of Reformation Scotland gather around the young Queen.

It seems that Alexander must spy – or die.

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

The Hutters Rally is a gathering of hut dwellers, dreamers and developers, planners, builders and bodgers. If you are curious about what hutting can offer or already deeply involved in building or enjoying your own hut, they’d like to see you there.

Registration is from 9am, followed by a full day (10-5) of talks, discussions, workshops and networking. There will also be a Marketplace area with stalls from craftspeople, land agents, builders, projects and more. If you are interested in having a stall, please email huts@reforestingscotland.org.

Headline speakers:
Peter McQueen, author of The Art of Hutting
Lesley Riddoch on What can Norway teach us next?

Talks and panels on
Five ways to build a hut
Building with unusual materials
Huts for healing
How to find land for a hut
Planning workshop
Hut site development
Hutting on FLS land
Volunteering on hut builds
Reclaim, re-use and scrounge - low-cost, low-impact building
Planning workshop
What do hutters need from courses?
Composting loos
Forest gardening for hutters
Managing hut site land
Soapbox session
Huts marketplace stalls
... and more!

reforestingscotland.org/hutters-rally-2024

The Venue
The Caird Hall is in Dundee city centre, very handy for public transport. Parking options are at https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/images/caird-hall-parking-map. You can bring a packed lunch or book a catered lunch with your ticket or there are lots of places to buy food in the city centre. Water and hot drinks will be available throughout the day.

For more information and to book tickets, please follow the link below.

By working together, we aim to build an economy focused on human and ecological wellbeing. Can the people of Moray create a place of health, fairness and belonging for all? Our communities and environment would thrive, and the economy should serve our shared purpose.

Can we take any inspiration from a new film about Denmark? ‘Denmark: The State of Happiness’ by Lesley Riddoch

Danes are judged the happiest people on earth, with the world’s best energy system, a GDP per capita almost a third higher than Britain, more bikes in daily use than the Netherlands, a swim just 15 mins away from every Copenhagen resident and state-run TV that changed the face of drama with Borgen, the Killing and the Bridge. Yet Denmark is small (with about half Scotland's land mass and the same population). It has less oil/coal/gas to fuel its economy and lost an empire - just like Britain. Yet the Danes have bounced back to become the modern, eco-leaders of Europe. How did they do it? And what can we in Moray take inspiration from?

For more information and to book tickets please follow the link below.

Join us on Wednesday 3rd April 2024 in the George Washington Browne room at Central Library where we will be joined by author Tim Bell. Tim will be discussing his work Choose Life. Choose Leith. The book first arrived in 2018 and is now back with a second edition published this month. Copies will be available for purchase on the evening.

Please note: Tim will be reading some passages from Irvine Welsh's original novel Trainspotting during the talk so the audience should expect to hear some foul language. Please consider this before making a booking to attend. 

Some praise for Choose Life. Choose Leith. 

This hugely informative book...is a hard-hitting social history brimming with local knowledge.  
Alastair Mabbott, Sunday Herald Life Magazine

No other book is needed now. Choose Life, Choose Leith: Trainspotting on Location is the book that lets others know what locals knew when they first read [Trainspotting]… Irvine Welsh has found the Boswell for his Johnson.  
Gordon Munro, The Leither

For more information and to book tickets, please follow the link below.

Enjoy a sparkling drinks reception and a delicious lunch while two award-winning authors tell you more about their writing inspirations and journey to getting published. Take a table of ten and fill it with clients or friends or book individual spaces and meet likeminded people.

The authors will be Gemma Morgan, author of Pink Camouflage and Claire Daverley, author of Talking at Night.

The Author

Gemma Morgan began her career as an Army Officer and was the first woman to be awarded the Carmen Sword from HRH Princess Royal. She was Captain of the Wales lacrosse team, gaining 85 Caps.  Gemma is an inspiring keynote speaker and leadership consultant sharing her expertise on a range of subjects  including women in leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build a high-performing team.   She is also a campaigner for mental health awareness and an ambassador for the charity, Help for Heroes.

The Book

When Gemma Morgan was 33, her husband found her by the roadside, delirious and choking on her own vomit. She was happily married with two young children, an outstanding army service record and a first- class international sporting career. But underneath she was a wreck.

In 1996 she had been one of the few female recruits at Sandhurst’s prestigious Military Academy. Experiencing first-hand the Army’s culture of misogyny, toxic masculinity and sexual abuse soon challenged her assumptions about the values she thought were at the heart of what it meant to serve. A highly unusual deployment then found her unarmed in the blood and mayhem of a war zone, powerless to alleviate the suffering surrounding her.

In her own words, Gemma shares the hard-hitting story of her abandonment by the Army, her subsequent battle with PTSD and her battle back from the brink.

The Author

Claire Daverley has been writing stories since she was 6 years old, inspired by art, film and many trips to the library. After graduating with a degree in Fine Art from the University of Oxford, she began a career in publishing, writing about books by day but penning her own by night, on trains, and in the light of the early mornings. She has spent most of her ife in Hertfordshire, but recently relocated to Scotland with her husband and spaniel. 

 The Book

For those that willed on the romance between Emma & Dexter in David Nicholls’ One Day and felt the pang of first love between Connell & Marianne in Sally Rooney’s Normal People, meet Will and Rosie.

Meeting as teenagers, they are opposites in every way, but over secret walks home and late-night phone calls, they become closer, destined to be one another’s great love story.    Until one day, tragedy strikes, and any possibility of them being together shatters. But that tragedy – and their history – is what will connect them forever…

For more information and to book, please follow the link below.