15 March 2016
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh to reveal the identity of the new Makar, also known as Scotland’s National Poet.
FM @NicolaSturgeon at @ByLeavesWeLive to announce the new Makar. pic.twitter.com/mG5YArpD64
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) March 15, 2016
The process to succeed Liz Lochhead started a number of weeks ago and saw a strong shortlist prepared by a panel of literary experts, convened by Dr Robyn Marsack, the Director of the Scottish Poetry Library. The final selection was made by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former first ministers Alex Salmond, Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale (not pictured) and Henry McLeish.
They unanimously decided that Jackie Kay would take up the role of Makar, which will see her create new work and promote poetry throughout the country, particularly encouraging young people to engage with the art form.
It was a closely guarded secret (we hope!) until the First Minister revealed her identity this morning.
FM @NicolaSturgeon announces @JackieKayPoet as the new Makar. pic.twitter.com/mnq0bMVXaC
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) March 15, 2016
New Makar Jackie Kay was chosen by Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond, Henry McLeish and Jack McConnell. pic.twitter.com/tigqBuWck8
— David Cowan (@stvdavidc) March 15, 2016
Congratulations from the SPL to Jackie Kay, Scotland’s new National Poet / Makar: https://t.co/NXnUwtRtRh #makar pic.twitter.com/FfhVAUON3o
— Scottish Poetry Lib (@ByLeavesWeLive) March 15, 2016
The First Minister said:
“Poetry is part of Scotland’s culture and history, it celebrates our language and can evoke strong emotions and memories in all of us.
“The role of the Makar is to celebrate our poetic past, promote the poetry of today and produce new pieces of work that relate to significant events in our nation.
“Jackie Kay’s poems sometimes deal with challenging subjects, taken from her own life experiences, and she has a particular Scottish brand of gallus humour.
“She is hugely respected, is known for her poignant and honest words, and is a role model for many, and I am delighted to name her as the new National Poet for Scotland.”
Jackie, who was warded an MBE for her services to literature in 2006, is also an award winning author and has recently been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. She added:
“It’s a tremendous honour to be chosen as Scotland’s new Makar – following in the footsteps of such wonderful poets as Edwin Morgan and Liz Lochhead.
“As Robert Burns demonstrated, poetry holds up a unique mirror to a nation’s heart, mind and soul. It is the pure language that tells us who we are. I hope to open up the conversations, the blethers, the arguments and celebrations that Scotland has with itself and with the rest of the world, using the voice of Poetry in its fine Scottish delivery.”
Great to be at The Scottish Poetry Library 1st thing. Thrilled to be announced by @NicolaSturgeon as the new Makar! pic.twitter.com/1bIhhq0Z18
— Jackie Kay (@JackieKayPoet) March 15, 2016
Kay: Delighted and honoured. I can only hope I can do my country proud. #Makar
— Phil Miller (@PhilipJEMiller) March 15, 2016
And, after the announcement, the new Makar read one of her own poems, ‘Between the Dee and the Don.’
After @NicolaSturgeon announced @JackieKayPoet as the new Makar, she read her poem 'Between the Dee and the Don' pic.twitter.com/c7A7sMez0Y
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) March 15, 2016
The First Minister @NicolaSturgeon and Scotland's new Makar, Jackie Kay @ByLeavesWeLive pic.twitter.com/642GPA9o34
— Creative Scotland (@CreativeScots) March 15, 2016
You can of course borrow our new #Makar's collections from the SPL. pic.twitter.com/Is076aWtDh
— Scottish Poetry Lib (@ByLeavesWeLive) March 15, 2016
You can read more about the announcement, including the thoughts of Dr Robyn Marsack, Director of the Scottish Poetry Library, and Aly Barr, Head of Literature, Languages and Publishing at Creative Scotland, here.