The Edwin Morgan Poetry Award

James McGonigal, Edwin Morgan’s friend and biographer notes that the man ‘was a poet of inventive forms and many voices – a writer of the unexpected. Here are two more surprises. Firstly, he actually made money from poetry. This took much effort and ingenuity, as well as an extraordinary talent. Secondly, and far-sightedly, he gave it all away.’

When Edwin Morgan died in 2010, it was widely publicised that he had bequeathed almost one million pounds for the Scottish National Party’s bid for independence. However, what was often left out of the story was the extraordinarily generous matching of this bequest to young poets, securing them some freedom for the time to write.

Edwin Morgan was a man who cared deeply about the future. The Edwin Morgan Poetry Award is given every second year to a poet aged 30 and under. Join us for illuminating readings by the 2020 shortlisted poets Colin Bramwell, Michael Grieve, Kirsten Kerr, David Linklater, Paul Malgrati, Alycia Pirmohamed and Stewart Sanderson and stay tuned for the winner’s announcement.

This is a pre-recorded event.

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Friday 13 December

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