Makar (National Poet for Scotland)

Last updated
Makar
National Poet for Scotland
Incumbent
Kathleen Jamie
Nominator Scottish Government
Appointer First Minister
Term length 3 years
Formation2004
First holder Edwin Morgan
Salary£15,000

The Makar or National Poet for Scotland is the national poet laureate of Scotland. The current Makar is Kathleen Jamie, who was appointed in August 2021. [1] Holders of the post are appointed by the Scottish Government and supported by the Scottish Poetry Library.

Contents

Role

The Makar's responsibilities include:

The stipend for the post is £15,000 per year for 3 years, to recompense the Makar for their time in writing or attending events in this role. [2] The post is appointed by the Scottish Government in an unregulated appointment. [3] The Scottish Poetry Library provides support to the post including media handling, festival booking and web presence.

Appointment process

With the appointment of Kathleen Jamie in 2021, 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. [4] The panel members were:

The term of the Makar is now 3 years, rather than the 5 years which it had previously been. [5]

Makars

See also

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References

  1. "Kathleen Jamie announced as Scotland's new Makar". BBC News. 18 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  2. Hepburn, David (3 October 2023). "Scots Makar: Who appoints the National Poet for Scotland, duties, pay, length of service, previous appointees". The Scotsman. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  3. "Celebrating Scotland's Makar". News:Scottish Government. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  4. "New Scots Makar". News:Scottish Government. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  5. "Kathleen Jamie announced as Scotland's new Makar". BBC News. 18 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.