This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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The Scots Makar
16/02/2004
First Minister Jack McConnell announced today that
Cabinet has agreed to create a position of national poet
for Scotland, and that the first person to be awarded this
designation will be Edwin Morgan. Professor Morgan will be
known as 'The Scots Makar'.
Ministers are committed to an independent appointment
process for the future and will consult with the Scottish
Arts Council and members of the poetry community to agree
that procedure.
The First Minister said that Professor Edwin Morgan was
the obvious first choice to be The Scots Makar.
Professor Morgan is recognised as Scotland's leading
contemporary poet. He has been writing for six decades and
some of his best known works such as The Second Life (1968)
and From Glasgow to Saturn (1973) have been taught in
schools across Scotland.
Speaking at the award ceremony in Glasgow, the First
Minister said:
"It is vitally important that we recognise the
significant contribution of poetry to the culture of
Scotland. This position will symbolise the success and of
Scottish poets in the past and the potential of Scottish
poetry in the future. I hope that The Scots Makar will
inspire young Scots to enjoy, and indeed to write,
poetry.
"Professor Morgan's work has done just that. Generations
of Scots have had their lives enriched through his poetry,
his vivid imagination and incredible use of language have
sparked many an image into life.
"Edwin Morgan is an exceptional human being whose talent
has touched the lives of thousands of people around the
world. He is not just a poet for Scotland - he is a poet
for our times."
Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Tourism,
Culture and Sport Frank McAveety said:
"Edwin Morgan has been an inspiration for many years. I
have read his poetry since my teens, and have seen at first
hand how his poems work magic with students at school.
"His range and innovation have expanded Scottish poetry,
and he is appreciated throughout the country."
Although appointed by Ministers, Professor Morgan will
be the only recipient of the title to be appointed in this
way. In future, an independent committee will be
established to make the award.
The title will carry no specific financial remuneration
and will be for a period of 3 years.
The obligations of the holder, in general, would be to
represent Scottish poetry in the public consciousness, to
promote poetic creativity in Scotland, and to be an
ambassador for Scottish poetry.