(Knowing of course that he will see him very soon) Yesterday historian, broadcaster and festival director, Alistair Moffat MBE stepped down from his role at the head of Borders Book Festival in Melrose, Scotland. The occasion was marked by a glorious brunch for 90 people at Bowhill House in the Scottish Borders. Hosted by The […]

Today marks three years since the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Many readers have commented on the poem written by Alexander to mark the occasion. It was published on the front page page of the Sunday Times newspaper and is reproduced here following requests from the many who have looked for it since. (The image […]

Edinburgh is an Exceptional City. Alexander celebrates the work of the Cockburn Association who, for the last 150 years, have raised their voices in protest and care whenever and wherever ill-thought-through building plans threatened the future of the city. He has written an introduction to a newly published book: Campaigning for Edinburgh: The Cockburn Association […]

This week, Alexander wrote a poem celebrating the late summer sunshine on the west coast of Scotland. He is delighted to share it with readers everywhere. Late summer Summer seemed to pass us by this year in Scotland, Until now, in September, unexpected In its generous showing of light and warmth, It invites us into […]

“Do not be discouraged, this world Is just as beautiful, just as good As it was before those who would make it otherwise Began their work; at the end of the day, Dear friends, love and the peace that goes with love, Will, triumph over those other things. That make most of us so very […]

‘A Day in September’ is a poem, written by Alexander McCall Smith, to mark the the occasion of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. This poem was carried on the front page of the Sunday Times, on 11 September 2022 You can listen to Alexander read his poem at the link below: A Day in […]

To mark Earth Hour 2021, Alexander McCall Smith has written a poem, ‘Only One Home’, about Climate Change for environmental charity WWF Scotland. It was published on 27 March – as the world prepared to mark Earth Hour – through the UK national press and will be included in a virtual exhibition, The Great Scottish Canvas, hosted by […]

This weekend’s a busy one as we mark the Spring Equinox and International Day of Happiness on Saturday (20 March), and World Poetry Day on Sunday (21 March). It has been a tough year since these dates last came round, a year in which humanity has been united by the challenges of a global pandemic and the urgent […]

Alexander awoke recently with this poem almost fully formed in his mind, as if it came to him in his sleep. He shares it with you today as people across the world celebrate love.

Give us your hand – here’s ours: All Scotland, though a little quieter now, Is a bit happier in your company, A bit wiser from your words. As we celebrate the life of the poet Robert Burns on 25 January, we are doing so with Covid restrictions firmly in mind: we can’t gather together this […]