News

October 3rd 2024 is not only National Poetry Day but it’s also publication day for this beautiful new anthology. Chosen by Gaby Morgan this new collection is a gorgeous wee hardback book filled with poems to warm the heart and soul this autumn. I’m honoured to have 2 new poems in this anthology and I’m in the most humbling company. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the excitement of publication day and of seeing my name alongside poems I adore and respect.

Cosy Poems (chosen by Gaby Morgan) is published by Macmillan

I am delighted to announce that I have accepted the invitation to lead the judging panel for the Brian Nisbet Poetry Award.

A short statement

Winning this respected award a number of times has been a game changer for me as a professional poet, and to be invited to lead the judging panel is very flattering.

I know I have some big shoes to fill as our former lead judge, poet Linda Smith, has an extraordinary body of work. I hope to live up to her legacy as we move forward with a refresh and new hopes for the BN Award. All the members of the judging panel thank Linda for her unswerving dedication to the award.

Brian was so important to our town and had a great passion for poetry. His final works as his illness took hold are some of the most moving poems I have ever read. It is such an honour to be part of protecting his legacy and celebrating his life with the continuation and growth of this award.

All of the other judges are wonderful poets in their own right and well respected in the poetry community. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in many fields and I hope I can live up to their expectations!

We will be opening for submissions for the 2024 Brian Nisbet Poetry Award very soon. Please follow our brand new social media pages and keep an eye out for posters and press releases advertising the theme and guidelines for entries.

Thank you so much for your continued support of this important poetry award. Let’s share beautiful words together!