Liz Lochhead

Liz Lochhead

Multi award-winning Scottish poet and playwright Liz Lochhead began her writing career whilst working as an art teacher in Glasgow. Her first collection of poems, Memo for Spring, won a Scottish Arts Council Book Award which turned out to be the first of many awards she would earn throughout her career.

Her plays include an adaptation of Moliere’s Tartuffe, Mary Queen of Scots Got her Head Chopped Off and Medea, which won the Saltire Society Scottish Book of the Year award.

Liz has worked as Writer in Residence at both Edinburgh University and the Royal Shakespeare Company. In February 2005 she was appointed as Glasgow’s Poet Laureate and in January 2011 she became Scotland’s Makar, or National Poet. Liz regularly appears at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Guardian article about Liz Lochhead becoming National Poet for Scotland

Liz Lochhead reads her poem Bairnsang

 

Liz Lochhead: A Literary Trailblazer

Wednesday 14 August 10:30 - 11:30

Liz Lochhead: A Literary Trailblazer Find out more
  • Attend in person
The Scots word ‘handsel’ means a welcome present or a token for good luck: the perfect description of a new collection of poems from Liz Lochhead. A Handsel collects beloved classics from Lochhead’s 50-year writing career, including her time as…
 

Generations: Liz Lochhead and Henry Bell

Sunday 25 August 11:45 - 12:45

Generations: Liz Lochhead and Henry Bell Find out more
  • Attend in person
Poet, playwright, and (dare we say it) national treasure, Liz Lochhead recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of her landmark collection Memo for Spring, and released a new collection, A Handsel. 15 years ago, teenage poet Henry Bell walked into her…
 

Colin MacIntyre/Mull Historical Society: In My Mind There's a Room

Thursday 15 August 19:00 - 20:30

Colin MacIntyre/Mull Historical Society: In My Mind There's a Room Find out more
  • Attend in person
Bringing his worlds of words and music together, Colin MacIntyre’s (aka Mull Historical Society) brand new album In My Mind There’s a Room features an all-star cast of literary giants. Hear it performed live with special guest appearances from the…

Books by Liz Lochhead

Buy from our Festival Bookshop during the festival, from Waterstones using the link below, or find your preferred local book seller.

Look, Listen & Read

Liz Lochhead (2015 Event)
Liz Lochhead (2015 Event)

A hugely accomplished playwright, as well as Scotland’s current Makar (National Poet), watch as Liz Lochhead discusses her new play, Thon Man Molière, her fascination with the great French comic dramatist and his oeuvre, Greek tragedy…

Liz Lochhead
Liz Lochhead

Rejoice in the wit, charm and warmth of a captivating poet and performer. Brimful of the most wonderful language, this Liz Lochhead event was the perfect conclusion to the 2005 Book Festival…

Launch of ReimagiNation: Cumbernauld Programme
Launch of ReimagiNation: Cumbernauld Programme
Fri 07 April 2017

Last night, we launched the programme for ReimagiNation: Cumbernauld, which takes place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 May 2017. Writers, artists, musicians and poets including Liz Lochhead, Denise Mina, Jenny Colgan…

Liz Lochhead named as Scotland’s National Poet
Liz Lochhead named as Scotland’s National Poet
Fri 21 January 2011

Award-winning poet and playwright Liz Lochhead has been named as the new National Poet for Scotland…