Thursday 7th October 2021

The FWS marked the day with an afternoon Zoom event of readings from a kist of talented and inspirational poets:

Rose Ann Fraser Ritchie

Cait O Neil McCullach

Martin Stepek

George Colkitto

Lesley Traynor

Linda Jackson

Peter Kelly

Gayle Smith

Hadley James Hoyle

Anne Pia

Chris Tait

and Brian Hill.

The poetry was rich and complex and moving.

Here is a selection of poetry from Brian Hill National Poetry Day 2021 – Scots

and Rose Anne Fraser Ritchie

We were also delighted to experience the premiere of this year’s Patchwork Poem, woven into being by Andy Jackson, poet and former Makar.

See here Patchwork Poem 2021

The event culminated with a selection of readings by Makar Jim Mackintosh who read from his latest pieces which are included in Beyond the Swelkie

Edited by Jim Mackintosh and Paul S Philippou

Beyond the Swelkie is a collection of poetry and prose in English, Scots and Gaelic celebrating the centenary of George Mackay Brown. Its contributors are based in Orkney and across Scotland, each engages with the muse in their own way. The contributors include many award-winning poets. Beyond the Swelkie includes a foreword by Asif Khan, Director of the Scottish Poetry Library. The book’s cover incorporates the artist Sandy Moffat’s celebrated portrait of George Mackay Brown.

Available from Tippermuir Books/ Amazon

A huge thank you to MT Taylor for organising the event and to MT and Gayle Smith for their work in comparing the event.