Gemma Cairney in conversation with Jackie Kay, Pat Nevin, and Jenny Colgan

The National Library of Scotland and Edinburgh Libraries present a special evening hosted in the stunning Reference Reading Room at Edinburgh Central Library. 

Join the previous Scots Makar Jackie Kay, former professional football player Pat Nevin, and romantic comedy fiction writer Jenny Colgan as they sit down with author and broadcaster Gemma Cairney. Together they will reflect on the role that libraries have played in their lives.  

This event is inspired by our new exhibition ‘Dear Library’ which is a love letter to books and libraries. The event also coincides with ‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’, a special display at Edinburgh Central Library produced by Historic Environment Scotland. 

About the speakers 

Gemma Cairney is a broadcaster and writer. She is widely known for presenting hit radio shows across various BBC channels. Gemma is a published author with a series of non-fiction titles for teenagers. Her newest work, ‘The Immortal Sisterhood’, will be published later this year. 

Jackie Kay is a novelist, playwright and poet. She was Scotland’s Makar from 2016 to 2021 and has won awards for her work. She is currently Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Salford. 

Pat Nevin is a Scottish former professional football player who played for Clyde, Chelsea, Everton, and Motherwell and won 28 caps for Scotland. Pat is the author of two memoirs, reflecting on his earlier life and football career.  

Jenny Colgan is a Scottish writer of romantic comedy fiction and science fiction. She has written for the Doctor Who line of stories. She writes under her own name and also using the pseudonyms Jane Beaton and J. T. Colgan.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: The lift access to the Reference Library is quite small. Some larger wheelchairs do not fit. Please get in touch to discuss alternative arrangements for access.

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