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

Link
Renfrewshire Council
Escape The Past
Fayre Play
Escape The Past

Other Events at National Library of Scotland

Hame’ll Dae Me

8th July 2025 - 9th August 2025

No need for tropical beaches and exotic flights when you can experience a 'Hame'll Dae Me' summer full of adventure right here in Scotland thanks to the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall!

READ MORE

Kim’s Video

16th July 2025

Don't miss a unique opportunity to discover the incredible story of iconic New York City video rental store Kim's Video within the setting of Scotland's national film archive.

READ MORE

How to draw your dragon

19th July 2025

Discover a wealth of dragons from around the world in this fun family workshop at the National Library of Scotland on Saturday 19th July!

READ MORE

From ‘Film Bang’ To Filming Boom

23rd July 2025

A panel of long-established Scottish film and TV professionals will discuss their career trajectories and take questions from the audience at this special event at Kelvin Hall.

READ MORE

Silent Disco Magic

6th August 2025

Join the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall for Silent Disco Magic, they'll supply the headphones, you supply your funky moves and be transported through a century of dancing across Scotland!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Paisley First
Open Pass Scotland
Edinburgh Dungeon
Hostelworld
ATG

Similar events you might like...

Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Selected dates between 20th February 2025 - 18th December 2025

Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

READ MORE
Palace Page Turners

Palace Page Turners

Selected dates between 7th March 2025 - 5th December 2025

Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!

READ MORE
Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks

Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks

Selected dates between 13th March 2025 - 4th September 2025

Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!

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 23rd March 2025 - 21st December 2025

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
Ice Cream Breakfast Mornings

Ice Cream Breakfast Mornings

Selected dates between 8th June 2025 - 14th September 2025

Fancy a wee treat? Join Ms Crème De La Cream's breakfast ice cream taster sessions at Stockbridge market.

READ MORE
An evening with Noraly Schoenmaker

An evening with Noraly Schoenmaker

8th July 2025

Join Noraly Schoenmaker on Tuesday 8th July at Waterstones Edinburgh West End, as she talks about her truly inspiring story, Free Ride!

READ MORE
William Dalrymple - How Ancient India Transformed the World

William Dalrymple - How Ancient India Transformed the World

8th July 2025

Don't miss this chance to hear William Dalrymple tell the story of how India became the great intellectual and philosophical superpower of ancient Asia.

READ MORE
The History & Endurance of Witchcraft with Dr Julia Phillips

The History & Endurance of Witchcraft with Dr Julia Phillips

9th July 2025

Join Dr Phillips in this enchanting talk at the Assembly Roxy on 9th July to examine beliefs about witchcraft from the witch trials of medieval Europe to its modern expression in the 21st century!

READ MORE
Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank with Ian Macleod

Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank with Ian Macleod

9th July 2025

Join Alan Wardrop as he presents the new spirit from Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Rosebank alongside 3 well-aged and rather fancy expressions at Drinkmonger on Wednesday 9th July!

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Link
Renfrewshire Council
Escape The Past
Fayre Play
Escape The Past
Paisley First
Open Pass Scotland
Edinburgh Dungeon
Hostelworld
ATG

Popular Events

T at 3
The Three Sisters Presents T at 3, 3 days of live music, performances and more from Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July!
Leith Panorama
Introducing LeithPanorama — a brand new clubbing concept set high above the docks, in one of the most breathtaking and industrial spaces to emerge in the UK in recent years.
Chloe Jones - UK Tour 2025
Following her debut performance at Glastonbury Festival and a Nashville tour, join acclaimed folk-Americana singer-songwriter Chloe Jones for an intimate acoustic evening at The Waverley Bar!
Woodland Explorers at Jupiter Artland
Join our Woodland Explorers for a jam-packed day exploring art and nature amongst the wild trees and sculptures at Jupiter Artland this summer!
Guid Crack: It Takes a Village
Enjoy another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club on 25th July, hosted by Dan Serridge and featuring tales from Trinidad Cabezón Droguett and Andrew Wilson!

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