Under the Influence

Added on 02 September 2016

I went to an event at the Edinburgh Festival where a novelist was billed to read from a book of poems. As a poet-novelist I was intrigued. I like the novels, but I did not like the poems at all. They sounded old-fashioned in metre and arch in language, and I didn't buy the book (and no, I won...

Why sailing against the tide is boring

Added on 20 August 2016

For the past few weeks we have been sailing to Orkney, around the islands, and back. It feels like a major achievement to have rounded Cape Wrath, Britain's top left corner, in both directions. As always when we make a significant journey I am left with respect for the Iron Age sailors who manag...

Events coming up

Added on 20 August 2016

On Thursday 1 September I'll be the 'bard in the bookshop' at 12.30 (lunchtime) in Nairn Bookshop as part of the Nairn Book and Arts Festival. This is one of the loveliest bookshops I know, and I'm really looking forward to being back there. On Saturday 1 October, I'll be leading...