CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

In conversation with Jackie Kay: The archive and the journey

This Burns day, Scotland's former Makar and award-winning writer Jackie Kay delves into her personal archive in conversation with National Librarian Amina Shah!

In conversation with Jackie Kay: The archive and the journey

About In conversation with Jackie Kay: The archive and the journey

On the birthday of Scotland's bard, join us to celebrate the work of another great Scottish poet, Jackie Kay.

In conversation with National Librarian Amina Shah, Jackie Kay will share the experience of donating her archive to the Library – an invaluable collection of 34 boxes that chronicles her life and literary journey.

The archive is a treasure trove offering an intimate look into Jackie's creative and personal life, including manuscripts of poems, novels, short stories, and plays, alongside family papers, personal letters, photographs, notebooks, schoolbooks, and early essays. It even includes cherished memorabilia such as audio cassettes, prizes, awards, and honours.

Jackie will reflect on her hopes for the archive, considering the potential it holds now that it's accessible to the public. This event offers a rare chance to hear from Jackie herself about the memories, stories, and inspirations preserved within this remarkable collection.

About the speaker:
Novelist, playwright and poet Jackie Kay was born in Edinburgh in 1961. She grew up in Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, with her adoptive parents John and Helen. Kay was the Scottish Makar (National Poet) from 2016 to 2021, and has won many awards for her work. Her latest book, 'Coorie Doon', is her first childrens book.

About the chair:
Amina Shah, FRSE, is the National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland.

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Local Motive Markets
Wonder & Co
Hilton Glasgow

Other Events at National Library of Scotland

Dear Library

20th June 2025 - 18th April 2026

To mark our 100th birthday, the National Library of Scotland presents a special exhibition, 'Dear Library'.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

The Chocolatarium
Escape The Past
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon
Hostelworld

Similar events you might like...

Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks

Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks

Selected dates between 23rd October 2025 - 26th February 2026

Join our team at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for weekly gallery talks as part of the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance!

READ MORE
Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening

Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening

Selected dates between 30th November 2025 - 13th December 2026

A lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place at The Open Door Community Centre, Edinburgh on various dates throughout the year.

READ MORE
Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction

Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction

Selected dates between 5th December 2025 - 29th January 2026

Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!

READ MORE
Public Lecture by Sir Steven Cowley

Public Lecture by Sir Steven Cowley

6th January 2026
Edinburgh South

Join the School of Physics and Astronomy at 50 George Square on Tuesday 6th January for a drinks reception followed by a lecture from Sir Steven Cowley!

READ MORE
Dan O’Neill: Snow Leopards In the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Dan O’Neill: Snow Leopards In the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

15th January 2026

Follow Dan O'Neill as he leads an extreme conservation mission through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, exploring snow leopard behavioural and spatial ecology using video camera traps.

READ MORE
The Psychology of Horror Movies

The Psychology of Horror Movies

21st January 2026

Discover the fascinating connections between horror films and the human mind, exploring themes of psychoanalysis, gender, and more at Assembly Roxy on Wednesday 21st January. Followed by a Q&A.

READ MORE
Derek Fabel: Nuclear Fallout Exposes Fake ‘Antique’ Whisky

Derek Fabel: Nuclear Fallout Exposes Fake ‘Antique’ Whisky

21st January 2026

The Scotch whisky industry faces a growing problem: fake vintage whiskies. Some bottles sold as rare single malts from the 1800s or early 1900s are actually much younger.

READ MORE
Justin Hawkins Rides Again... Again

Justin Hawkins Rides Again... Again

24th January 2026

Justin Hawkins brings his YouTube show “Justin Hawkins Rides Again” to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Saturday 24th January!

READ MORE
Celebrating Burns

Celebrating Burns

25th January 2026

Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Local Motive Markets
Wonder & Co
Hilton Glasgow
The Chocolatarium
Escape The Past
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
Castle Of Light
Make Castle of Light: Fire and Ice part of your festive plans and enjoy the largest annual projection show in the UK when it returns for its sixth year!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
Gyle Winter Wonderland
This year, the Gyle Shopping Centre is pulling out all the stops for the biggest and brightest Christmas experience yet!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: Christmas Market
One of the most iconic Christmas Markets in Europe, Edinburgh's Christmas Market returns to East Princes Street Gardens showcasing the best in artisan festive products and goods from local makers!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall