George Mackay Brown was a seminal figure in Scottish letters from mid-century until his death in 1996. He wrote of life and nature in his native Orkney Islands, his fertile imagination encompassing poetry, novels, children’s stories, essays, plays, and media pieces. He studied with Edwin Muir at Newbattle Abbey College, near Edinburgh, and earned an MA from the University of Edinburgh in 1960.
George Mackay Brown was a seminal figure in Scottish letters from mid-century until his death in 1996. He wrote of life and nature in his native Orkney Islands, his fertile imagination encompassing poetry, novels, children’s stories, essays, plays, and media pieces. He studied with Edwin Muir at Newbattle Abbey College, near Edinburgh, and earned an MA from the University of Edinburgh in 1960.
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
VideoMay 8 2026
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.
