Cottiers – Bar, Restaurant, Theatre, Glasgow West End
Cottiers, 93-95 Hyndland St, Glasgow G11 5PU 0141 357 5825 www.cottiers.com/ What’s On At Cottiers Cottiers Bar and Restaurant is a most attractive and flexible venue in Glasgow’s West End. Previously, Dowanhill Church, it is one of only three surviving Scottish churches famously decorated by Daniel Cottier, the revolutionary artist-designer when it was built in […]
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Saturday, December 13, 2025 | Filed under: Bob Law: photographer, walker and writer, Book Week Scotland=2023, Celtic Connections 2016, Clubs in Glasgow, Film reviews, Glasgow Film Festival 2014, The Glasgow Keelie, Writing for the Festive Season
On Falling, Glasgow Film Festival 2025 review by Pat Byrne
(On Falling won two BAFTA Scotland Awards for 2025 -‘Officially Best Feature Film for Scotland in 2025) Laura Carreira is a Portuguese filmmaker based in Edinburgh. ‘On Falling’, her debut drama, has deservedly already won awards: the Sutherland Award for Best Debut at BFI London Film Festival 2024 and Best Director at San Sebastian Film […]
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Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Events, Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers, Glasgow Film Festival 2025, Pat's Home Page Blog, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
tell it slant at Locavore
Friday 28 November 2025 @ 7 p.m. Express Yourself – Tell it Slant at Locavore, 349 Victoria Rd, Glasgow G42 7SA It’s the festive season – time to celebrate Come share your poetry at Tell It Slant in Locavore on Victoria Road, Glasgow South Side. Guest Poets James Roberts and Donna Campbell There is an […]
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Saturday, November 22, 2025 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Hallowe'en in Glasgow, Music, Music Reviews, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
A Play, A Pie and A Pint, David MacLennan Award Longlist
After considering over 130 submissions, OranMor is delighted to announce the 30 writers longlisted for the David MacLennnan Award 2025/26. This prestigious writing award culminates in the winning writer having a play professionally produced for the first time. A Play A Pie and A Pint is Glasgow’s iconic lunchtime theatre. The longlisted writers are: Jamie Adams Forget Me […]
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Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | Filed under: What's on in Glasgow: Theatre and Comedy, Writing
The Human Biology Story Lab, University of Glasgow
Saturday 15 November, 2025, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join this Being Human Festival workshop and explore your body’s hidden processes through creative writing. No experience needed. Seminar Rooms, Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Lane Glasgow G11 6EW Over 18s – Free Event Please book at Eventbrite Welcome to a creative […]
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| Filed under: Classes and Workshops, University of Glasgow Advanced Research Centre, Writing
Hallowe’en – A Bygone Theme by Pat Byrne
‘Mum, Anna and me have got an idea for Hallowe’en,’ said Catherine. ‘Okay. Tell me about it.’ ‘We’ve got it all planned. It’s going to be a bygone theme,’ said Anna. ‘Auntie Mary says she can lend us stuff. She’s got a trunk in her loft full of vintage clothes that she’s kept like forever.’ […]
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Thursday, October 23, 2025 | Filed under: Hallowe'en in Glasgow, Pat's Home Page Blog, Stories for Hallowe'en, Writing
SWC Flash Fiction Online Feedback Group with Eveline Pye
Sunday 5 October, 2025, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Meeting Monthly Online – Join via Eventbrite Scottish Writers Centre is supporting a new online flash fiction feedback group suggested by acclaimed writer and poet Eveline Pye and they’d love you to join! This is a unique opportunity to join a small, supportive group focused on providing […]
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Sunday, September 28, 2025 | Filed under: Classes and Workshops, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more, Writing
Circus Vegas Review at Silverburn
Circus Vegas Came To Glasgow We had a wonderful time at the Vegas themed show with the glizt and glamour of Vegas. It brilliantly combined all the usual circus type acts such as juggling, aerial acts, acrobats and a fun clown, who was the star of the show, The costumes and dancers were fantastic each […]
Neon Dreaming at Glasgow Film Festival 2025 review by Pat Byrne
Neon Dreaming is written and directed by Marie-Claire Marcotte It is the story of an eight year old girl, Billie (Maélya Boyd), who lives with her father and grandmother and is preoccupied by thoughts of her absent mother. She treasures a photograph of a ballet dancer, whom she believes is her mum.When she has to […]
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Tuesday, March 4, 2025 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Cinema, Events, Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers, Glasgow Film Festival 2025
Mistress Dispeller at Glasgow Film Festival review by Pat Byrne
I ‘m not sure that it will catch on here! Mistress Dispellers are hired in China as undercover professionals, their job it is to intervene when a partner is cheating on a spouse, bring the affair to an end and repair the damage done to relationships. Elizabeth Lo’s documentary has full consent of the three […]
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Monday, March 3, 2025 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Cinema, Events, Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers, Glasgow Film Festival 2025
Tornado – Glasgow Film Festival 2025 review by Pat Byrne
The World Premiere of ‘Tornado’ will be screened at the Opening Gala, Glasgow Film Festival 26 February, 2025. Director John Maclean’s exciting survival thriller is set in 1790s UK. Tornado (Kōki,) is a young Japanese woman travelling with her father (Takehiro Hira) – both are performers in his Samurai puppet show. When she seizes the […]
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Cinema, Glasgow Film Festival 2025, Pat's Home Page Blog, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
Transatlantic Sessions – Celtic Connections 2025 review by Pauline Keightley
Transatlantic Sessions is always such a classy, sophisticated concert with the excellent transatlantic band and top notch singers! The celebrating their 30th year!. Transatlantic Sessions explores the musical connections between Scotland, Ireland and America. In 2025 Ireland was represented by Niall McCabe and John Doyle. Scotland by Julie Fowlis, Aly Bain, Donald Shaw, John McCusker […]
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Sunday, February 23, 2025 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Pauline Keightley
Dead Dog Beach by Paul Murdoch review by Mary Irvine
And now for something completely different! A genre I don’t usual read, let alone review. Dead Dog Beach – ‘A must-read for fans of suspense, dark humour, and fast-paced thrillers’ The novel I’m reviewing this time is ‘Dead Dog Beach’ by Paul Murdoch. I’ve read it twice and enjoyed it as much, if not more […]
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Monday, February 17, 2025 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene, Pat's Home Page Blog
Lake Street Dive at Old Fruitmarket Celtic Connections 2025
Review by Pauline Keightley The packed indie crowd were ready to party and they were not disappointed! Lake Street Dive blend an original mix of Fleetwood Mac harmonies and Stevie Wonder rhythms. An interesting mix. With good times tempo drawing on Americana and jazz-infused soul – from Tennessee blues to New York sophistications. The band […]
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Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Celtic Connections 2025, Pauline Keightley
Reciprocal Systems of Health in the Climate Era – Exhibition at Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow
Designing Future Experiences – University of Glasgow (ARC) Review by Pat Byrne Jim and I went along to the launch of this fantastic exhibition at ARC. Glasgow School of Art design students look to the future; exploring what health might look like in 1935. The focus of the exhibition is the result of Product Design […]
Sunday, February 9, 2025 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, University of Glasgow Advanced Research Centre
Blue Rose Code. John Martyn Tribute at Celtic Connections 2025
Review and Photography by Pauline Keightley Blue Rose Code is led by Ross Wilson, who was on top form and gave an assured and joyous performance of his heartfelt and rhythmic songs. They are a top quality band and were celebrating their sixth studio album. Their influences include folk, Americana, jazz, soul and contemporary. The […]
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Winter a poem by Nina Quigley
Winter and the planet grieves. Distended wide-eyed rivers watch the Earth give up its secrets. A crop of roadside wreaths and crosses tells a litany of violent death. Here the trees in all their woundedness, ivy-choked souls, redundant severed limbs. Here the huddled blinking homes, blunt-hearted hedges. There’s word of Christmas, swathes of moss deck […]
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Saturday, December 21, 2024 | Filed under: Writing, Writing for the Festive Season
Two Poems For Hallowe’en by Finola Scott
Darkening So the darkness approaches. I could talk of enveloping black of the rip and reveal of the veil of stripped furrows & iron earth of barren trees, growth numbed of days blink-blind short […]
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Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | Filed under: stories and poems, Stories for Hallowe'en
Trick or Treat by Freya O’Neill
A Story for Hallowe’en “That’s enough!,” Lacey shouted down the hallway. It was Halloween night and her little brothers had just returned from trick-or-treating, filled to the brim with excitement and of course, sweets. 8-year-olds and sugar shouldn’t mix. She heard the tremendous thumping of feet entering the house, giggles flooding the air. She looked […]
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Sunday, October 27, 2024 | Filed under: Hallowe'en in Glasgow, Stories for Hallowe'en, Writing
Whispers from the Shadows
A Scary Hallowe’en Story for Young Adults by Sian O’Neill (aged 13) In a shadowy little town Hallowe’en was the one night of the year when rumours of the supernatural whispered through the air. As the sun fell below their field of view, a group of four friends, dressed up in costumes, dared each other […]
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Monday, October 21, 2024 | Filed under: stories and poems, Stories for Hallowe'en, Writing
Parcels – a poem by Basia Palka
Basia Palka More about Basia – read more of her poetry Jim and Pat’s West End Chat – Pat chats to Basia Palka Basi chats about the Polish Community, her poetry and fundraising for Huntington’s Association
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| Filed under: Pat's Home Page Blog, stories and poems, Stories for Hallowe'en, Writing
Story for Hallowe’en – The Denny Tank Ghost
The tap, tap of a walking stick, the smell of cigar smoke, the clanking of keys in the lock of a door no longer there. Only sounds and smells. But everyone knows who it is. Mr. Peter Denny Jr., probably the best known ghost in Dumbarton. There is actually disagreement over which Denny boss haunts […]
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Friday, October 18, 2024 | Filed under: Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene, stories and poems, Stories for Hallowe'en, Writing
Hallowe’en by Georgina Edward
Hallowe’en Many traditions associated with this celebration are considered to be modern introductions, some even claim American imports*. But Hallowe’en was celebrated long before the USA came into being. Samhain (pronounced (sow’inn) has been celebrated in Britain for centuries and has its origin in Celtic traditions as the Feast of the Dead, also observed as […]
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Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | Filed under: stories and poems, Stories for Hallowe'en, Writing
The Nightway Man by Michael Tess
A Story for Hallowe’en In July sore heat, mother and Sheila pitched the tent. Sheila drank water from a bottle. ‘We can top up at the stream,’ said mother. ‘I hear it.’ She shared the bottle. Tucked her vest into her shorts. ‘How did you know it was there?’ ‘We camped here before.’ ‘When.’ ‘Your […]
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Saturday, October 12, 2024 | Filed under: Pat's Home Page Blog, Stories for Hallowe'en
Glasgow Writers: Willy Maley
Willy Maley, Professor of Renaissance Studies at the University of Glasgow; literary critic, editor, lecturer and writer. Scrap Mettle – Book of Poetry by Willy Maley, Book Launch 26 August, 2025 Willy Maley – Book Launch: Scrap Metal at Avant Garde Willy Maley – Celebration of his Career – 24 May, 2024 Calliberations: A Celebration of […]
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Friday, July 26, 2024 | Filed under: writers
Storytelling for Adults, Mary Edward – Blending Fact and Fiction review Pat Byrne
In June I caught the train down to Alexandria to see Mary Edward at Storytelling for Adults – very enjoyable events showcasing local writers. I have long admired Mary Edward’s writing, in particular I enjoyed ‘Gallowgate’, published in 2022. This is the story of the struggle and survival of the O’Donnell sisters, two young Irishwomen […]
Thursday, July 11, 2024 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Pat's Home Page Blog
Melancholia by Nina Quigley
Nina Quigley is a poet, writer and visual artist who lives in Inishowen, Co. Donegal. Melancholia was published by Three Dancing Oaks Publishing in 2023. Here are a few poems from the collection that I particularly enjoyed: That Thing With Feathers A woman, with distance in her eyes, a porcelain reticence in her cheeks, heard […]
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Sunday, June 30, 2024 | Filed under: Pat's Home Page Blog, writers, Writing
The Buttery, A True Glasgow Institution, review by Pat Byrne
The Buttery – A True Glasgow Institution The Buttery, 652 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8UF The Buttery, established in 1870, describes itself as a ‘true Glasgow institution’ and is thought to be Glasgow’s oldest culinary establishment. Tucked away in a corner of Anderston it’s unlikely to attract passing trade but this much loved restaurant has […]
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Thursday, June 13, 2024 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Eating and drinking Glasgow West End, Pat's Home Page Blog, Scottish Restaurants
Mika and Me Optical Studios – Exclusive Chanel Event
Tonight I enjoyed another very special event at Mika and Me. I took the opportunity to go along to their optical studio on Park Road to have a look at the new range of Chanel glasses and sunglasses on show exclusively at Mika and Me for one night only. The eyewear was stunning and the […]
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Thursday, June 6, 2024 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Eyecare, Pat's Home Page Blog, Shopping
Ashlyn’s 18th at Topolabamba, Glasgow
Saturday, 14th April, 2024 Topolabamba, 89 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5TF On Saturday I went into town to help celebrate my greatniece Ashlyn Young’s 18th birthday. The planning had taken a great deal of thought, finding a lovely restaurant that could cater for 20 plus customers on a Saturday night. Ideally somewhere located near […]
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Saturday, April 13, 2024 | Filed under: Book and Event Reviews, Street Food Glasgow
