Let’s make a makar

We need to celebrate with poems, says Andy

04.01.2018 A makar should be appointed to record major events with poems.

Renfrewshire Council wants to recruit a writer to the post of poet laureate for the region.

The bard would produce work to mark milestones or significant developments in public life in the area.

Councillor Andy Doig led calls for the creation of the post at a local authority summit.

He said: “Poetry makes you think about what’s happening in the world.

“It has been at the forefront of a great cultural revival in Scotland.

“It was incredibly disappointing when Paisley lost out on its bid for City of Culture. “But we must prove we might be down, but we are certainly not out and still have a lot to offer.”

Renfrewshire is the birthplace of some of Scotland’s best- known poets.

Robert Tannahill took up the pen in the wake of Robert Burns and is celebrated for collections in English and Scots.

He wrote many of his verses while working as a weaver in the early 1800s.

Jim Carruth was born in Johnstone in 1963 and grew up on his parents’ dairy farm.

He is artistic adviser for Scotland’s International Poetry Festival and was appointed Glasgow’s Makar four years ago.

The artist is among the country’s most celebrated and has won, or been nominated for, a slew of top literary prizes.

The member for Jo h n s t o n e No r th, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch received unanimous backing after appealing for a makar to be appointed at a council meeting.

Councillor Doig insists Renfrewshire can still be a powerhouse for the arts after the competition loss.

He said: “Funding for arts and culture is just as important as it is for housing. A makar would front our cultural events and leave a lasting legacy through their work.” BOOK ONLINE: Once you have 6 different passwords go to www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/tenpoundholidays and follow the links. Booking opens January 9. BOOK BY POST: Once you have collected 6 tokens, attach to the booking form you’ll be able to download at www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/tenpoundholidays Terms and conditions apply. See online for details. YESTERDAY we launched our fantastic reader offer of £10 Holidays in association with BreakFree Holidays.

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