b.1958, grew up in Sandness, then studied literature at the University of Edinburgh, after which he was William Soutar Fellow in Perth and Writer in Residence at the universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde. Since 1993, he pioneered the tuition of Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh, where he became a Senior Lecturer. His work includes the novels Soor Hearts (1984), Thin Wealth (1986) – both set in Shetland – and A Day at the Office (1991), and two full collections of poetry, Shoormal (1986) and Nort Atlantik Drift (2007). He has also written for the stage and has edited a number of anthologies.
b.1958, grew up in Sandness, then studied literature at the University of Edinburgh, after which he was William Soutar Fellow in Perth and Writer in Residence at the universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde. Since 1993, he pioneered the tuition of Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh, where he became a Senior Lecturer. His work includes the novels Soor Hearts (1984), Thin Wealth (1986) – both set in Shetland – and A Day at the Office (1991), and two full collections of poetry, Shoormal (1986) and Nort Atlantik Drift (2007). He has also written for the stage and has edited a number of anthologies.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
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Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
