Scottish Poetry News: April 2022
April's poetry and spoken word round-up includes events across Scotland, plus new releases featuring Ross Wilcock, Finn Le Marinel and Josephine Sillars
With restrictions easing, poets are hosting some brilliant readings across the country. Edinburgh’s Scottish Storytelling Centre is featuring Morna Burdon’s Fire is Not the Only Element on 2 April: a Scots fusion of poetry, song, and stories.
Be quick to catch Scribbler’s Union on 1 April, in Glasgow’s Dram! Headlining the show is the legendary Jim Monaghan, who will be accompanied by comedian Elaine Malcolmson. The pair are supported by a selection of the Scribbler’s Union’s writers: a varied collection of flourishing writers who have been working alongside the Union’s founder, Kevin P. Gilday.
Henry Bell and Angela Catlin have launched their exhibition and accompanying book of poems, Still Life, in Glasgow’s SoGo Gallery. Running until 17 April, the poems and photographs document the experience of living in Glasgow during the pandemic.
Writer and performer Ross Wilcock has released his EP, City Streets, featuring Finn Le Marinel and Josephine Sillars. A lyrical fusion of poetry and music, Wilcock beautifully brings together Le Marinel’s atmospheric soundscapes and Sillars’ otherworldly vocals. This EP reflects on themes everyone can connect with: identity, heartache, romance, and is a stunning collection of songs for poetry and music lovers.
Granta’s latest release comes from legendary Canadian poet, Sylvia Legris, with her new collection Garden Physic. Out on 7 April, the collection is a complex and emotive journey through the physic garden as it’s never been experienced before. A celebration of plants and true human connection to our living greenery, Garden Physic will be a joy to read this spring.