Sad Loss of Scottish Makar Edwin Morgan

It is with regret that we receive the sad news of the death of legendary Scottish poet Edwin Morgan, only a day after the Book Festival's Edwin Morgan International Poetry Competition.

Commenting on the sad news of the death of Edwin Morgan, Nick Barley, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival said “As well as being one of the greatest British poets of the last 50 years, Morgan was also the last link to a great generation of Scottish writers than included Sorley MacLean, Norman MacCaig and Hugh MacDiarmid.  His work transcended genres, was constantly challenging and inspiring, and encapsulated all that is great about Scottish poetry and writing.  His influence will continue to be felt for years to come as his words echo in the work of so many contemporary writers.”

Morgan was one of the writers attending the 1962 Writers Conference in Edinburgh where the deep roots of the Edinburgh International Book Festival were established, and this year saw the third Edwin Morgan International Poetry Prize, sponsored by the University of Strathclyde, awarded at the Book Festival last night.  The Prize was won by A B Jackson for his poem Treasure Island.

Barley added “Praise for Morgan was, as always, warm and generous last night, and little did we know that this sad news would follow so soon after.”