Ken Cockburn

I was born in Kirkcaldy in 1960, went to school there and in Edinburgh, then studied French and German at Aberdeen University, and Theatre Studies at University College Cardiff. In Wales I worked with various touring theatre companies, returning to Scotland in 1990. I worked for some years in art galleries, and from 1996 to 2004 at the Scottish Poetry Library, Edinburgh. As SPL Fieldworker I drove the library van to schools, libraries, community halls and prisons across Scotland, lending books and running workshops. With Alec Finlay I established and ran pocketbooks, an award-winning series of books of poetry and visual art (1999-2002), and was a director of platform projects, its successor company, until 2006. Since 2004 I've worked freelance, as a poet, editor, translator and writing tutor. 

As a poet I've written a lot about places, both in Scotland and abroad. The 'flyleaf' poems focus on particular books, considering content, the circumstances of reading, and other associations. My collaborations with Alec Finlay have led me to work with particular forms, especially mesostic poems, 'football haiku' (three-word poems), and the short linked verses of communal 'renga' events. As a translator from German I've worked on poems by classic authors such as Goethe, Fontane and Celan, as well as contemporary poets such as Arne Rautenberg, Christine Marendon and Thomas Rosenlöcher. A residency at the John Murray Archive, National Library of Scotland developed my interest in alphabet and found poems. Thanks to a Creative Scotland Vital Sparks award, in 2010/11 I undertook, with Alec Finlay and others, The Road North – a 'translation' of Basho's Narrow Road to the Deep North to the landscapes of Scotland.

I run poetry writing workshops for primary and secondary school pupils, students and adults, and am happy do one-off events or longer residencies.

Marcas Mac an Tuairneir

I was born in November, 1984 in York, England and was raised in a family that could claim both local and second generation Irish heritage. I began my education at English Martyrs' Primary School and All Saints' Secondary School, York where I found a deep love of language and literature.
In 2003, I moved to Scotland, to continue my education at King's College, University of Aberdeen, where I graduated in 2008 with an MA Hons Gaelic and Hispanic Studies and an MLitt Irish and Scottish Studies in 2010. I moved to Glasgow, in 2011, where I graduated with MA TV Fiction, with the support of MG Alba, at Glasgow Caledonian University. 

'Deò' is my first collection of poetry, which was written with the support of the Gaelic Books Council and their mentorship scheme, under the tutelage of the Gaelic author and poet Martin MacIntyre.
Poems have been published in various publications and one was short-listed for the Gaelic poetry compeition Cornéil Eoghan Ó Niall in 2013. I am working on a second collection of poetry, an anothology of Gaelic poetry of the twenty-first century, two novels and a TV drama script. I co-wrote the stage play 'Take Me if You Need Me' which was performed at the Òran Mór, Glaschu in 2011.
This year I was commissioned to write my début novel for Acair’s ‘Aiteal’ series. It is due to be published next Autumn.

I live in Inverness where I am a member of Inverness Gaelic Choir. I works for various organisations in the field of Gaelic education; East Dunbartonshire Council, Strathclyde University, University of the West of Scotland Meadbowburn Primary School, Bishopbriggs, amongst them. I now work for Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

I have a great interest in poetry, drama and literature in general, music both new and traditional and in socio-linguistics and minority languages.

I have worked as a freelance Gaelic language and culture tutor for many years with various institutions and authorities.

Tawona Sithole

I grew up with the oral tradition of spoken word and music, that celebrates the morals and lifestyle of my ancestral family, Moyo Chirandu - as a son of this family I am better known as Ganyamatope. From Zimbabwe, living in Glasgow, sharing my heritage with others keeps me grounded, and helps increase awareness of lesser-known perspectives of my experience as an African. Using these influences, I have developed a contemporary style of expression, through mbira (traditional Zimbabwean music instrument), spoken word and creative writing and drama. I often use humour to challenge stereotypes and misinformation. I draw on my challenging experiences (such as racism) faced with living in a different culture from my own. Trying to link cultures together, I see creative expression as a celebration, and building of positive self-esteem. 

I am a poet, playwright and musician, and enjoy the challenge of new creative experiences. I started writing and performing my work, publishing my first collection of poetry in 2006. I have since had my work published by others in the UK and abroad. As my creative journey continues, I have gained many new experiences including workshop facilitation, education, theatre, commissions, radio appearances, writer in residence, event organising, and studio recording. I have delivered workshops in schools, community groups, to people of different ages and range of ability.

In 2009 I was fortunate to take part in the Scottish Book Trust mentoring scheme. The experience remains an inspiration to how I approach my work.

My workshops put the participants in the driving seat, and are always fun - often including mbira music, song, chants, dance and movement, to facilitate the creative process of writing.

Catherine MacPhail

Cathy MacPhail was born and brought up in Greenock, Scotland, where she still lives. Before becoming a children’s author, she wrote short stories for magazines, comedy programmes for radio and two romantic novels. Cathy was inspired to write her first children’s book after her daughter was bullied at school.

Cathy writes spooky thrillers for younger readers as well as teen novels and has the unique ability to get to the heart of serious, topical issues through the stories of her feisty characters.

Cathy has won the Royal Mail Book Award twice, along with lots of other awards and has been called the Scottish Jacqueline Wilson. One of Cathy's greatest fears would be to meet another version of herself, similar to the young girl in her bestselling novel Another Me. She is a big fan of Doctor Who and would love to write a scary monster episode for the series.

Cathy is the Patron of Reading at Falkirk High, in Scotland. She is also an Ambassador for Children 1st, formally known as the RSSPCC.

Cathy is available for talks, school visits and creative writing workshops.