| Makar | |
|---|---|
| National Poet for Scotland | |
| Incumbent Pàdraig MacAoidh (Peter Mackay) | |
| Nominator | Scottish Government |
| Appointer | First Minister |
| Term length | 3 years |
| Formation | 2004 |
| First holder | Edwin Morgan |
The Makar or National Poet for Scotland is the national poet of Scotland. The current Makar is Pàdraig MacAoidh (Peter Mackay), who was appointed in December 2024. Holders of the post are appointed by the Scottish Government and supported by the Scottish Poetry Library, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024.
Role
The Makar's responsibilities include:
- taking a leadership role in promoting poetry nationally
- producing poems relating to significant national events
- encouraging the reading and writing of poetry, particularly by young people
- reading their poems publicly, at public events, and commenting publicly on poetry, the arts and any and all related matters in Scotland and internationally
- preparing a report on their experience in the role each year
The post is appointed by the Scottish Government in an unregulated appointment. The Scottish Poetry Library provides support to the post including supporting the Makar's engagement programme and communications.
Appointment process
With the appointment of Pàdraig MacAoidh (Peter Mackay) in 2024, the Scottish Government convened an expert panel representing Scotland's literary sector to consider nominations for the next Makar and agree upon a recommendation to put to the First Minister The panel members were:
- Anna Feintuck, Team Leader, Access, Arts and Participation Team, Culture & Historic Environment Division, Scottish Government, (Chair)
- Henry Bell, Editor, Gutter
- Dr David Goldie, President, Association for Scottish Literature
- Peggy Hughes, Director, National Centre for Writing, Norwich
- Marc Lambert, Chief Executive, Scottish Book Trust
- Duncan Lockerbie, Director, Tapsalteerie/Stewed Rhubarb Press
- Marjorie Lotfi, Director, Open Book
- Jill Mackintosh, Head Librarian, Scottish Poetry Library
- Harriet Macmillan, Literature Officer, Creative Scotland
- Dr Robyn Marsack, Independent Adviser
- Niall O’Gallagher, Gaelic Poet and Broadcaster
- Amina Shah, National Librarian and Chief Executive, National Library of Scotland
- Ryan van Winkle, Director, Stanza, Scotland’s International Poetry Festival
- Mark Wringe, Senior Lecturer, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, University of the Highlands and Islands
The term of the Makar is 3 years.
Makars
- Edwin Morgan (2004–2010)
- Liz Lochhead (2011–2016)
- Jackie Kay (2016–2021)
- Kathleen Jamie (2021–2024)
- Pàdraig MacAoidh (2024–present)
See also
References
- "Celebrating Scotland's Makar". News:Scottish Government. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
| Scots makars | |
|---|---|
| c. 1370 – c. 1460 | |
| c. 1460 – c. 1560 | |
| c. 1560 – 17th century | |
| 18th century – 20th century | |
| Makar or National Poet for Scotland (from 2004) | |