An exciting project has been launched to help Kirkcudbright Academy students develop their creative writing skills.
Senior students will work with internationally-acclaimed poet and writer Hugh McMillan to produce an anthology for Kirkcudbright Book Week, which opens next month.
Hugh will run eight weekly sessions with two senior classes to produce work for publication and display during the festival and possible inclusion in their folios.
The poet, who has published numerous collections of poetry and won many awards, will be among the writers performing at Book Week.
He said: “The Book Week organisers have shown great insight in wishing to encourage local talent, in general, and the young, in particular.
“It is hoped that work produced by the students in English and Scots as part of the project will appear in an anthology launched during Book Week.
“There will also be some workshops in Scots for younger pupils.”
Hugh, a familiar voice on national radio, has performed at the Stanza International Festival and Wigtown International Book Festival in Scotland, and the Edmonton Poetry Festival in Canada.
He is an experienced teacher of poetry and creative writing, and has taught in schools, at festivals and for community groups.
Amy MacDougall, principal teacher of English, modern languages and social subjects at the academy, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hugh into our Higher English classes this session.
“Our pupils spend a lot of time analysing poetry in the classroom but less time writing their own poems.
“We are hopeful that Hugh’s inspiration will lead them to being able to write a creative piece for their folio this year.
“As their teacher, I am taking lots of ideas from Hugh in order to improve my own teaching of creative writing.
“It is lovely to have a published poet working with us and his ideas are really allowing our imaginations to flow.”
Book Week Society chairman Chris Walker, from the Selkirk Arms, said: “Kirkcudbright Book Week is designed to appeal to people of all ages.
“I am delighted that we are able to work with such a well-respected author as Hugh McMillan to develop the students’ creative talents.”
Kirkcudbright Book Week is making a welcome return this year after being cancelled in both 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid pandemic.
Highlights for young readers include free events at Kirkcudbright Library as part of World Book Day, featuring appearances by children’s writers Greta Yorke and Alan
McClure.
Events to be staged at venues in the town from February 27 to March 4 will feature poetry and prose fiction and non-fiction performances by more than 20 writers, as well as film, song and
music.
The Kirkcudbright Book Week Society, which co-ordinates the event, secured funding from the Holywood Trust and the Galloway Association of Glasgow to allow it to recruit Hugh to work on the project.
Both organisations support educational opportunities for young people.
A printed programme is available locally and anyone wishing information on events and tickets can visit www.kirkcudbrightbookweek.org
The event can also be followed on Facebook and on Instagram at kbt.bookweek
