Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events.

hyndland bookshop inside

Books, talks and poetry events. Glasgow has everything on offer for lovers of literature, including major book festivals, book launches, poetry slams and spoken word open mics.

Plenty to choose from with events showcasing new talent as well as acclaimed writers and poets.

Events and New Books To Watch Out For

Thomas Muir Symposium 2023 – Remembering John Maclean

thomas muir festival

Wednesday 4th October 2023 Douglas Academy, Craigton Road, Milngavie G62 7HS John Maclean was a school teacher, Red Clydesider and founder member of the Pollokshaws Progressive Union. Drawing on speakers from the academic community, secondary school pupils and members of local history societies. This years speakers are: Professor Gerard Carruthers (University of Glasgow): Muir & […]

Read the full article: Thomas Muir Symposium 2023 – Remembering John Maclean

Friday, September 8, 2023 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

Creative Conversations: The MacDiarmid Memorandum

the macdiarmid memorandum

Wednesday 20 September, 2023, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Alan Riach Alan Riach’s The MacDiarmid Memorandum is a work of epic, category-defying scope; a work that blends biography and national history, poetry and prose; an intimate portrait of an old friend and mentor, and a political manifesto calling for revolution. Beginning with his childhood in […]

Read the full article: Creative Conversations: The MacDiarmid Memorandum

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

Bloody Scotland 2023

bloody scotland logo

15 – 17 September, 2023 BLOODY SCOTLAND BROCHURE AVAILABLE TO VIEW ONLINE NOW See all events Cast A Cold Eye by Robbie Morrison review by Pat Byrne   Reception will take place  in the splendour of the 600-year-old Church of the Holy Rude with festival guests welcomed in style with a glitzy drinks reception before […]

Read the full article: Bloody Scotland 2023

Doors Open Days Glasgow – The ARC

advanced research centre logo

A walk in the ARC: tour the Advanced Research Centre A unique tour of the ARC, Glasgow’s exciting new hub for research, discovery and events! Located on the redeveloped site of the Western Infirmary and recently celebrating its 1st birthday, you’ll start your journey in our impressive atrium with views up to three floors of […]

Read the full article: Doors Open Days Glasgow – The ARC

A Woman’s War Against Progress by Allan Cameron

book launch scotia bar

Wednesday 27 September, 2023 Scotia Bar, 112 – 114 Stockwell Street, Glasgow G1 4LW Book Launch: A Woman’s War against Progress by Allan Cameron A Woman’s War against Progress is about a fictional minority-language community in southern Siberia and its charismatic and somewhat domineering leader. Her relationships with men are complex and unhappy, but she […]

Read the full article: A Woman’s War Against Progress by Allan Cameron

Bernard MacLaverty: SCAP Summer Festival

Bernard MacLaverty

Saturday, 26 August, 2023 at 3.30 p.m. The National Piping Centre, 30-34 McPhater St, Glasgow G4 0HW Free Event Bernard MacLaverty special guest at SCAP (Seahorse Creative Arts and Publications) Summer Festival Belfast man, Bernard MacLaverty lives in Glasgow. He has published six collections of short stories and five novels, the latest of which ‘Midwinter […]

Read the full article: Bernard MacLaverty: SCAP Summer Festival

Writing the World: Book Launch at SCAP Summer Festival

Writing the World

Sunday 27 August, 2023 1.30 p.m. – 3 p.m. National Youth Theatre, 105 Brunswick St, Glasgow G1 1TF Free event Writing the World: A Collective This book is the outcome of Creative Writing classes with Asylum Seekers taught by Donna Campbell and Linda Jackson. The book also has work by more established writers who have […]

Read the full article: Writing the World: Book Launch at SCAP Summer Festival

An evening with local poets Ann MacKinnon and Catriona Malan

ann mackinnon and catriona malan

Thursday 24 August, 2023 at 7 p.m. Discussing poetry (with the help of Mary Irvine) Helensburgh Library, 59 W King St, Helensburgh G84 8EB Free entry and refreshments

Read the full article: An evening with local poets Ann MacKinnon and Catriona Malan

Sowing Seeds: The Strathclyde Review 2022/23 Magazine Launch

scottish writers

Scottish Writers Centre, CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JD Tuesday 29 August, 2023 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. After last year’s event for ‘Taking Root’, The Scottish Writers’ Centre is delighted to welcome back The Strathclyde Review for their launch of its 2022/23 issue ‘Sowing Seeds’. Join us for an evening of readings, special […]

Read the full article: Sowing Seeds: The Strathclyde Review 2022/23 Magazine Launch

The Handsomest Thoroughfare in Glasgow

great western road talk websters

How Great Western Road Created The West End Sunday 17 September, 2023 –  4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Websters Theatre, 416 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G4 9HZ As part of Doors Open day Websters presents The Handsomest Thoroughfare in Glasgow! Join Architectural Historian, Gordon Urquhart, on a historical journey through Great Western Road! Book Online

Read the full article: The Handsomest Thoroughfare in Glasgow

Zoe Strachan launches Catch the Moments as They Fly

zoe strachan

Thursday 21 September, 2023 at 7 p.m. Waterstones, 153-157 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3EW Join one of Glasgow’s best authors Zoe Strachan as she launches her new novel ‘Catch the Moments as They Fly’. Zoe will be in conversation with Alistair Braidwood. Today Rena is going to change her life… Rena Jarvie is ahead of […]

Read the full article: Zoe Strachan launches Catch the Moments as They Fly

Women, Activism, Archive and Heritage, Govanhill International Festival

Sunday 6 August, 2023, 2:00 – 8:00pm The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, Glasgow G41 2PZ Free but ticketed Book Tickets Talks: Bread and Roses v Bread and Circuses: The story of the treatment of Glasgow’s Culture, Elspeth King This session will offer a brief historical survey of Glasgow’s material culture looking at when Glasgow, […]

Read the full article: Women, Activism, Archive and Heritage, Govanhill International Festival

Gillian Shirreffs – Glasgow Writer Donates Book Profits to Beatson Cancer Charity

Brodie - Gillian Shirreffs

Fundraising Book Launch at OranMor, top of Byres Road, G12, Thursday 7 September, 2023, 6 p.m. Gillian Shirreffs, a writer from Glasgow, is donating all profits from her debut book ‘Brodie’ to Beatson Cancer Charity’ – following the support she received after being diagnosed with cancer. Ooriginally from Haughhead in East Dunbartonshire and now living […]

Read the full article: Gillian Shirreffs – Glasgow Writer Donates Book Profits to Beatson Cancer Charity

Broken Sleep Books Takeover

broken sleep books event govanhill baths

Wednesday 9 August, 2023 6:30–7:30 p.m. Govanhill Baths Community Trust, The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ Free. – Book tickets at EventyBrite An evening of poetry and stories at Govanhill International Festival, showcasing Scotland-based authors published by innovative press Broken Sleep Books. Each author will give a short reading from their work […]

Read the full article: Broken Sleep Books Takeover

Thursday, July 20, 2023 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Free Events

All Along the Edge: Launch of Anthology

all along the edge

Wednesday, 9 August, 2023, 5.30 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. All Along the Edge: Contemporary Voices Explore the Roman Frontier – launch Hunterian Museum University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ History is story! Join us as we celebrate All Along the Edge, a collection of new poetry and prose inspired by the past, present and future of the […]

Read the full article: All Along the Edge: Launch of Anthology

In Conversation with Graeme Armstrong, Websters Theatre

in conversation with graeme armstrong

Thursday, 30 August, 2023 Join the host of Glasgo Podcast as he sits down with local author Graeme Armstrong His bestselling debut novel, ‘The Young Team’ inspired by his experiences, and Picador published in March 2020. It won a Betty Trask Award, a Somerset Maugham Award, and the Scots Book o the Year 2021. In […]

Read the full article: In Conversation with Graeme Armstrong, Websters Theatre

Aye Write: Diana Gabaldon – Outlander

aye write

Wednesday, 19 July, 2023, 6.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. Kelvin Gallery Glasgow G12 8QQ Diana Gabaldon, the author of the bestselling Outlander series returns to Glasgow this July. This special event takes place in partnership with the world’s first academic Outlander conference. Diana Gabaldon will discuss the books that influenced her writing and the making […]

Read the full article: Aye Write: Diana Gabaldon – Outlander

Cruinneachadh, Scottish Writers Centre

Cruinneachadh

Tuesday 27 June, 2023, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Cruinneachadh Join poet, translator and editor Marcas Mac an Tuairneir for an evening of poetry in translation in celebration of Cruinneachadh. Cruinneachadh includes selections from some of the finest poets in Scotland, England, Wales, Cornwall, Ireland and further afield. The volume is a celebration of language […]

Read the full article: Cruinneachadh, Scottish Writers Centre

Shared Reading with Ann MacKinnon

ann mackinnon bom

Monday 19th June, 2023 at 2.30 p.m. Shared Reading with Ann MacKinnon Agnes Owens Room, Alexandria Library, Gilmour St, Alexandria G83 0DA Come along and join in discussing the topic of Sibling Rivalry in poetry and fiction Free event – all welcome. About Ann MacKinnon Ann is a poet ‘writing in both English and Scots, […]

Read the full article: Shared Reading with Ann MacKinnon

Friday, June 16, 2023 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

SCAP Writers – Donald Murray on Zoom

donald murray scap writers

Thursday 15th June, 2023 at  7pm. Hosted by Linda Jackson and Donna Campbell. Special guest Donald Murray Also featuring: Bobby Motherwell, Hannah Nicholson and Judith Taylor. SCAP – Seahorse Creative Arts and Publications Donald S Murray is a Scottish novelist, poet, and playwright from Ness in the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of […]

Read the full article: SCAP Writers – Donald Murray on Zoom

Queer Reflections on Horror: Jennifer’s Body

queer reflections

Saturday 3 June, 2023 7:15pm Presented in association with GFT Youth Board at GFT to celebrate all things queer and all things horror as they launch new essay anthology It Came From the Closet: Queer reflections on Horror. The event will feature a screening of Jennifer’s Body followed by a Q&A and book signing with Glasgow author […]

Read the full article: Queer Reflections on Horror: Jennifer’s Body

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Cinema

Wee Write Family Day 2023

Saturday 3 May, 2023 Spark your little bookworm’s imagination. This jam-packed day is full of creativity and book-based fun at the Mitchell Library. With Horrible Histories, Dennis the Menace mischief and a flying visit from Bookbug, The Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN See the full programme and buy tickets Chai Strathie – Scotland, […]

Read the full article: Wee Write Family Day 2023

Aye Write: Stuart Braithwaite – Spaceships Over Glasgow

stuart braithwaite

Sunday 28 May, 2023, 9.15 p.m. – 10.15 p.m. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3NY Stuart Braithwaite was perhaps always destined for a life of psychedelic adventuring on the furthest frontiers of noise in Mogwai, one of the Glasgow and Scotland best loved bands. Spaceships Over Glasgow spans a delinquent childhood, rock star hedonism […]

Read the full article: Aye Write: Stuart Braithwaite – Spaceships Over Glasgow

Aye Write: Pat Nevin – Football and How To Survive It

pat nevin

Sunday 28 May, 2023 at 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3NY Pat Nevin’s memoir Football and How To Survive It takes us on a journey to the less glamorous side of football. rom Tranmere to Kilmarnock, he plays some of the best football he’s ever played. Then, in […]

Read the full article: Aye Write: Pat Nevin – Football and How To Survive It

Aye Write: Neil Lancaster, Carole Johnstone and Fulton Ross – Something Dark Up North

something dark up north

Saturday 27 May, 2023 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. In Neil Lancaster’s The Night Watch a lawyer is found dead at sunrise on a lonely clifftop at Dunnet Head on the northernmost tip of Scotland. It was supposed to be his honeymoon, but now his wife will never see him again. The case is linked to several mysterious deaths, […]

Read the full article: Aye Write: Neil Lancaster, Carole Johnstone and Fulton Ross – Something Dark Up North

Aye Write 2023: Ones to Watch – Sarah Tomas, JJ Scott, Wiz Wharton

ssrah tomas jjscot wiz wharton

Saturday 27 `May, 2023 11 a.m. – 12 noon The Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN Aye Write prides itself on spotlighting new talent and punchy stories. Debut novels by Sarah Tomas, JJ Scott and Wiz Wharton will feature in this ‘Ones To Watch’ event which platforms some of our best new writers. On […]

Read the full article: Aye Write 2023: Ones to Watch – Sarah Tomas, JJ Scott, Wiz Wharton

Aye Write 2023: Jim Carruth and Liz Lochhead – The Tannahill Event

jim carruth liz lochhead

A Happy Makar Birthday Sunday 28 May, 2023, 4.15 p.m. – 5.15 p.m. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Stgreet, Glasgow G2 3NY Join Glasgow’s two living laureates to celebrate two milestone birthdays. Liz Lochhead has just turned 75 and has been Makar for both city and country and has been awarded the Queen’s Gold […]

Read the full article: Aye Write 2023: Jim Carruth and Liz Lochhead – The Tannahill Event

Aye Write 2023 Arthur Snell: How Britain Broke The World

arthur snell

Saturday 27 May, 2023, 4.15 p.m. – 5.15 p.m. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Suchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 4NY How Britain Broke The World is by former senior British diplomat Arthur Snell. It critically assesses UK foreign policy over the past 25 years, from Kosovo in 1998 to Afghanistan in 2021, while also scrutinising British policy […]

Read the full article: Aye Write 2023 Arthur Snell: How Britain Broke The World

Aye Write 2023 – Ones to Watch – Martin Griffin, Callum McSorley and Alice Slater

ones to watch

28 May, 2023 12.45 – 1.45 p.m. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3NY Aye Write prides itself on spotlighting new talent and punchy stories. Debut novels by Martin Griffin, Callum McSorley and Alice Slater will feature in this ‘Ones To Watch’ event. Martin Griffin’s The Second Stranger finds a hotel worker trying to […]

Read the full article: Aye Write 2023 – Ones to Watch – Martin Griffin, Callum McSorley and Alice Slater

ones to watch

Copyright Glasgow Westend 2009 thru 2017

Contact Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End | About Pat Byrne | Privacy Policy | Design by Jim Byrne Website Design