Writing Fellows

In its early years, the GMB Fellowship ran two writing residencies, appointing a professional writer to take up a year-long writing residency based in Stromness Library. The Fellow helped stimulate innovative approaches to writing through community involvement, encouraging new writers and cross-collaborations with other creative disciplines, and forging links with community groups.

Importantly, each Fellow also had a unique opportunity to focus on their own writing in spectacular and inspiring surroundings.

The first Fellow in 2007 was Orkney-based poet Pamela Beasant, whose programme of events included a writers’ retreat, a literature festival, two animated films, a script for the St Magnus Festival and two anthologies.

Glasgow-based poet Nalini Paul was appointed as the second GMB Fellow in 2009-10. Activities during the year included workshops in collaboration with the RSPB and Historic Scotland, a St Magnus Festival event, an artists’ exhibition and two anthologies.