Scottish Poetry News: May 2022

In May's spoken word round-up, you can pair your poetry with a pint or a cuppa – there's also new releases from Imogen Stirling and Tapsalteerie

Feature by Beth Cochrane | 29 Apr 2022
  • Imogen Stirling

For a friendly, informal night of poetry, head down to Sketchy Beats Cafe, Leith, for Poetry & Pints, on 6 May. This casual open mic night promises to be a relaxing space for performers of all experience levels, so if you’re looking to dust off some performances now spaces have reopened, this would be the perfect opportunity. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start, and guests are welcome to BYOB, if they like. Ticket entry is a suggested £5 donation, with the money being given to the host venue, which is a not-for-profit community space. If you’d like to sign-up for an open mic slot, just email the organisers on poetrypintsleith@gmail.com

Another open mic night has sprung up in Glasgow’s Tchai-Ovna House of Tea. Tasseomancy (the reading of one's fortune in tea leaves), takes place every second Wednesday, with the next scheduled for 4 May. The event runs from 7-9pm, and is sure to have a real mix of fresh poetry.

Performance poet Imogen Stirling is touring her new book, Love the Sinner, and will be in Edinburgh on 6 May. Published by Verve Poetry Press in 2022, this long-form poem brings together a myriad of characters and is set to be adapted for stage by Vanishing Point Theatre Company. 

Tapsalteerie is publishing an exciting new book, the first part of a series of Scots texts. Modern Makars Yin, edited by Christie Williamson, was released at the end of April and features a wide range of excellent poets: Irene Howat, Ann McKinnon, and Finola Scott. The series is a celebration of the diverse language that Scots is, as well as explores how it’s used in contemporary poetry.