Poet and essayist Kathleen Jamie appointed as nation’s next makar

The “exceptional” writer Kathleen Jamie has been appointed as Scotland’s next national poet.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon formally welcomed the poet and essayist to the role of makar at the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh yesterday.

The position of makar involves producing work relating to significant national events and taking a leadership role in promoting poetry nationally.

Jamie succeeds Jackie Kay, who held the post for five years following tenures by Liz Lochhead and Edwin Morgan, who was the first appointee when the role was created in 2004.

Jamie said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as Scotland’s new makar. The post confirms a weelkent truth: that poetry abides at the heart of Scottish culture, in all our languages, old and new. It’s mysterious, undefinable and bold. It runs deep and sparkles at once. Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and the late Edwin Morgan have held this post before me, a trio of major poets.

“If I can achieve half of their outreach, humour and wisdom, not to mention their wonderful verse, I’ll be doing well. I am grateful to the selection panel for such a vote of confidence in my work, and to the first minister for her endorsement and support.

“My task as I see it is to meet folk, to support and encourage poetry, to laugh and lament and witness, and occasionally speak to our national life. I’m excited to begin.”

Raised in Midlothian, her first poetry collection was published when she was 20 and she has since released several collections.

She was appointed for a three-year term on the recommendation of an expert panel representing Scotland’s literary sector.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Poetry is integral to Scotland’s culture and history. The makar has a central role in celebrating that legacy, and preserving its future by encouraging the next generation of young writers to leave their mark.”

Kathleen Jamie.