Some of Scotland's finest writers will today (March 4) be celebrating World Book Day in Aberdeen as part of the University of Aberdeen's Creative Writing Course. The course itself is in for a plot change and new characters this semester as students will be taught by three prize-winning Scottish writers.
The School of Language and Literature has gained two award-winning tutors: Don Paterson, winner of the T S Eliot Prize for Poetry and the Whitbread Poetry award, and award-winning poet and acclaimed Scottish playwright Liz Lochhead. Both have been welcomed to the University by Alan Spence, Personal Chair in Creative Writing to teach students studying the University's Creative Writing course. Students will be hoping to learn the secrets of Don and Liz's award winning success.
Alan Spence, the University's Professor in Creative Writing, will be focusing this term on his role as Creative Director for the WORD Festival, which goes annual for the first time this year.
Alan Spence said: "This is a tremendous boost, an input of creative energy that is sure to inspire my students. I'm delighted to be working with such wonderful writers. It's great that the University is continuing to show commitment to creative writing in this way. Aberdeen audiences will also get the chance to hear Don Paterson read his award-winning work at the launch of Word on March 25, where we'll be announcing a world-class line-up for this year's festival."
Dr Barbara Fennell, Head of the School of Language and Literature acknowledged the University of Aberdeen's commitment to creative writing and its reputation as a writers' haven, through the WORD festival. She said: "The School is delighted to welcome these two distinguished writers to teach for us. We want to support Scottish writers as much as possible, and we hope they inspire the next generation of creative Scots by their example."
