Iain Macwhirter: Road to Referendum
8 May, 7pm, The New Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, £3
Find yourself shouting at the TV at the politicians who are too busy shouting over each other to have a proper debate? Can’t find any information to help you understand the pros and cons of independence? Do you wish there was an event where you could ask someone a question about Scottish independence and get a straight answer?
On his Road to Referendum book tour, Iain Macwhirter will be discussing his book and the key issues around independence. Macwhirter will also be holding a question and answer evening with the audience about the Scottish Referendum.
The book itself is a sharp, insightful consideration of the country’s past that have shaped Scotland as a country. Delivered in an unbiased yet passionate voice, Macwhirter presents the country’s political and cultural events throughout history, helping the reader to decide if they think that independence will be a positive thing for Scotland.
Get the telly off, get down to the event and have your questions answered!
Iain is touring across Scotland throughout May, with dates in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Ullapool and Stornoway. Check Cargo Publishing’s website for the remaining tour dates near you.
Laura Marney: For Faughie’s Sake (book launch)
9 May, 6pm, Waterstones Sauchiehall, Glasgow
Laura Marney’s For Faughie’s Sake, the follow up to No Wonder I Take A Drink, will be launched in Waterstones on Sauchiehall Street.
Hollywood comes to Inverfaughie to make a movie about the Highland Clearances. Some of the local community are far from happy, and conflict sparks among the local community. Trixie, a loner who’s only relationship seems to be with a glass of wine and is desperate to leave her Highland village, is forced to decide where she stands.
For Faughie’s Sake is a light-hearted approach to Scottish life and politics that will leave readers in tears of laughter at Marney’s play-on-words and delightful writing.
National Collective: Glasgow Session #1
12 May, 7:30pm, Stereo
The first of the NC Glasgow sessions starts this month. Guest speakers, poets, musicians and writers are all having a party at Stereo in Glasgow, showcasing their work and projects.
And you’re invited to come take part. Do you have a story, poem, song or even just an idea that you’d like to share? Come along and join in the open session.
If you fancy learning a little more about NC and their various projects, come along a little earlier to the meeting and get inspired.
Kate Tough: Head for the Edge, Keep Walking (book launch)
16 May, 6:30pm, Waterstones Argyle, Glasgow
Zoe Strachan called it “a warm and ferociously witty story”. Kevin MacNeil called her protagonist Jill “your eccentric new best friend”. Tough delighted the audience at the Cargo House Party last month and left them wanting more. Now Kate Tough’s novel Head to the Edge, Keep Walking is finally ready to launch.
Jill’s nine-year relationship is over. Life has been flipped on its head. While her friends settle down and start having families, Jill is searching for some meaning in her life, throwing herself into dancing and internet dating. As she watches life pass around her, she asks the question we all wonder from time to time – how do other people make being sane look so EASY?
After the launch at Waterstones, there will be an after party along at The Arches. Head for the edge and we’ll see you on the other side!
23 May, 7:30pm, Counting House, Edinburgh
Are ye dancin’? Cause this lot are asking and certainly will be!
Rally and Broad have another staggering line-up prepared for this month.
Alan Bissett, Luke Wright, Jo Clifford and (a personal favourite of mine) Krystelle Bamford will be on the floor, ready to get the audience on their feet and bring the house down with a fantastic night of reading, poetry and song.
Plus, they will be joined by special guest Tolu Ogunlesi; winner of the 2008 Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg poetry prize and all-round spoken word master.
Get yer dancin’ shoes on and hit the Counting House for a cabaret of talent, hosted as always by those dynamite ladies, Rachel McCrum and Jenny Lindsay.
Neu! Reekie! 47 – Maywards to Leith
30 May, 7pm, Pilrig St Paul’s Church, Edinburgh, £7
The spoken night heavyweight will be changing haunts for this month’s events. The dynamic duo Michael Pedersen and Kevin Williamson bring you yet another fantastic line-up that’s an exhaustive list of talent.
Bang Dirty brings a unique mix of sound with hip-hop, folk and alternative music from Scotland from Adam Holmes and Mog. There will be some fantastic poetry from five-times winner of the Foyle Young Poets award, Helen Mort. Kim Moore’s new musical project WOLF combines electro acoustic with live strings and voice and a wonderful animation showcase by John Davide.
Not enough? How about a free beer? Every guest will get to enjoy a refreshing beverage from a specialist Belgian Beer Company. Free beer, fantastic acts, brilliant night.
Karyn Dougan
National Collective
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