Most literature works with, rather than against, the way the world is, according to French writer Édouard Louis, author of the autobiographical novel The End of Eddy. Speaking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on Monday evening, Louis explained: “When we talk about Literature or Arts, we always have the impression that they are kind […]
About paulfcockburn
Edinburgh-based freelance magazine journalist, specialising in equality issues (disability and/or LGBT+), popular science, and arts & culture.Author Archive | paulfcockburn
Stage Struck
March 15th was a special day for Mary McCluskey. Not, we hasten to add, because she found herself speaking with The Scots Magazine; the date marked the 25th anniversary of her becoming Artistic Director of Scottish Youth Theatre. That said, Mary’s involvement with the company actually goes back even further—her first job was as part […]
Irvine Welsh: Fringe-Spotting
Few writers—certainly living writers—have their name attached to three different shows on this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Irvine Welsh, however, does. “Yes, it’s crazy,” Irvine says. “It’s a bit like buses, you know? You wait for ages and they all come at once.” “They’re all very different in their own ways,” he adds. “Trainspotting Live […]
Scotland’s “Route 66”
Committees, cynics say, have a reputation for designing camels rather than champion racehorses. However, the Tourism Project Board established by North Highland Initiative appears to have produced a genuine winner: a new scenic route showcasing ancient castles, glistening sandy beaches and spell-binding heritage that’s been knowingly promoted as “Scotland’s answer to Route 66”. Officially starting—and […]
Towers to Stand The Test of Time
It’s not often that archaeologists have proved that proudly English writer Dr Samuel Johnson wrong. Back in early autumn 1773, Johnson was exploring the Highlands and Islands with his friend and later biographer James Boswell. While on Skye, their attention was drawn to “a circular inclosure, about forty-two feet in diameter, walled round with loose […]
What Will Happen on Earth’s Last Day?
Apollo 17 may have been the 20th century’s final manned mission beyond Earth orbit, but its crew left us with one very public legacy—the iconic “Blue Marble” image of planet Earth which, during the last 45 years, has become one of the most reproduced images in human history. Admittedly, that’s barely a pin-prick when compared […]
Rob Roy of the Reivers
The Scots Magazine has long prided itself in being at the forefront of everything “Scottish”, so it’s surely no surprise that, in June 1817, the writer of the magazine’s then-regular “Literary Intelligence” column was pleased to report: “A new Novel, entitled Rob Roy, is announced from the pen of the Author of Waverley. “The exploits […]
