University of Salford Chancellor announced as Scotland’s new National Poet

Tuesday 15 March 2016

University of Salford Chancellor Jackie Kay MBE has been named as Scotland’s new National Poet, following today’s announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Jackie, one of Scotland’s most popular poets and novelists, takes over this position from Liz Lochead, who recently ended her five-year tenure at the end of January this year.

This role, usually referred to as the Scots Makar, was first established in October 2014 by the Scottish Parliament, and is a similar role to that of the Poet Laureate. As part of the position, Jackie will create new work and promote poetry throughout Scotland and encourage young people to engage with the art form.

The award-winning author was selected from a shortlist prepared by a panel of literary experts, convened by Dr Robyn Marsack, the director of the Scottish Poetry Library. The final selection was then made by SNP leader Ms Sturgeon and former first ministers Alex Salmond, Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale and Henry McLeish.

Jackie, who was recently elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, said to the BBC: “I'm absolutely delighted and honoured to have been chosen as Scotland's new makar and to follow in the footsteps of such really inspiring and wonderful poets as Edwin Morgan and Liz Lochhead.

"I hope that I can do my country proud and do them proud. It's a really wonderful day for me, my family and everyone that loves me. It feels a little like a fairytale for me.

"I was born in Edinburgh, adopted, and my mum said to me the other day 'who would have thought that that wee baby they brought home in a basket would end up being the makar'."

"Poetry has an extraordinary role to make a difference in the world. In these times we live in, in troubled times, poetry can lend a hand and be a player and I look forward to looking at all the different ways we can use poetry to develop Scotland's conversation, not just with itself but with the rest of the world.

"It seems to me to also be a very, very exciting time to be in Scotland at the moment."

University of Salford Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Marshall, added: “We would like to congratulate Jackie on her appointment as Scots Makar, she couldn’t be more deserving of this role and we are extremely proud of her latest achievement.

“This announcement underlines the national profile Jackie has as a poet and novelist along with the major role she plays in the literary scene.”

Jackie was originally born in Edinburgh before she was brought up in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. Jackie was made an MBE in 2006 and now lives in Manchester.

The University of Salford appointed Jackie as Chancellor in October 2014 when her predecessor Dr Irene Khan stepped down after five years in the role.

In addition to her honorary role, Jackie holds the position of University ‘Writer in Residence’ of which she contributes major commissions that will enhance learning and teaching and the students’ broader experience at the University.

Jackie will remain in the role of makar for five years.

University of Salford Chancellor announced as Scotland’s new National Poet

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