Edinburgh City of Literature

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Edinburgh City of Literature

Edinburgh, a city of books, words, stories, poetry, bookshops, festivals, and literary loveliness.
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Edinburgh is the world's first UNESCO City of Literature, pioneer in an international network of UNESCO Creative Cities. This permanent, non competitive title bestows international recognition on Edinburgh and Scotland as a world centre for literature and literary activity. The City of Literature Trust is an independent charity which works to promote literary Edinburgh, champion Scotland’s literat

ure and develop international literary partnerships. We facilitate, animate and enable organisations to work together to promote literature and reading. Follow us on Twitter:
Find us on Flickr: www.flickr.com/edincityoflit

29/06/2026

Last week, we gathered Dynamic Earth to mark the publication of our new impact study.

This was a celebration of literature in Edinburgh and a call to arms to invest in our literary future.

Thanks to Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen for speaking so beautifully, to for her custom poems, The Touch Agency for all of their design work, for her gorgeous illustrations and to our Board of Trustees.

Thank you to everyone who came along to what was a really joyful (and scorching!) evening - and to everyone who shapes our literary city.

If you’d like to read the full impact study, learn more about how Edinburgh City of Literature is responding to this research, or read a transcript of our Director ‘s speech from the event, head to the link in our bio.

17/06/2026

There’s still time to send in your poems and stories to our live competitions!

Tramlines 🚉: Have your poem displayed inside an Edinburgh tram and read by hundreds of thousands of passengers!

Six Minute Reads 📖: Have your short story published alongside some literary heroes (still to be announced) and read all across Scotland!

Details of both competitions are available through the links in our bio and as ever, if you have questions…just get in touch!

16/05/2026

In the lead up to this year’s conference , we selected ‘s “Recital” for Tartu’s Poetry on the Buses project.

“Recital” was translated into Estonian and installed on buses so that Tartu travellers can enjoy a slice of Edinburgh poetry as they make their way around the city. It was also included in this beautiful book.

Multiple cities contributed to this lovely project, including our friends in Okayama, who sent ten poems written by care-experienced children.

On Wednesday night, following a mayoral reception at the remarkable Barge Hall, delegates were collected by a Poetry Bus, containing all of the translated poems.

For those who like the idea of a little poetry on the move…watch this space! 👀

14/05/2026

This week, our Director Harriet MacMillan is in beautiful Tartu, Estonia for the annual UNESCO Cities of Literature network meeting.

Delegates from all over the world have gathered in the cultural heart of Estonia for a packed programme of best practice sharing, partnership development and policy discussions. Participating cities have also been visiting Tartu’s remarkable suite of cultural venues, such as their Literary Museum, Literature House and Barge Hall.

Together, the Cities of Literature network works hard to make the world better through books. Edinburgh is extremely proud to be the founding member of this amazing collection of literary hubs.

Thank you so much to for your generous hosting and for sharing your wonderful city.

16/04/2026

Today marked the final Dear Library: Story Sessions, with fantastic performances from and .sumsion. Well done to all of our writers: and Lisa Grindall!

This is Lisa with 8 year old Leo. Leo came to hear Lisa read on Tuesday and was so inspired by her story that he return today, to give her a copy of a version of his story he had written for her. We can’t wait to read more work from Leo, future literary superstar!

Dear Library: Story Sessions has been a partnership programme with . It has been so joyful to see these cohorts of writers come together to tell stories and support each other’s development.

We look forward to more Story Sessions in the future - watch this space!

07/04/2026

Drum roll please! 🥁🥁🥁

Our Dear Family: Story Sessions author line-up is here and it’s a real roster of talent!

The selected authors will be leading free storytelling and crafts sessions next week - head to the link in our bio to book free places for you and your family!

27/03/2026

Calling Edinburgh writers!🌁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✍️

We are so excited to be partnering with to offer an exciting paid writing micro-residency opportunity!

One writer will have a week’s paid residency with at the Forth Bridges - Edinburgh icons and UNESCO World Heritage sites. They will enjoy paid time to creatively explore the sights and sounds of these historic bridges.

The selected writer will receive 5x day rates at Scottish Artist Union rates (£1796) as well as accommodation and travel fees.

This project is part of Scotland’s UNESCO Creative Cities Living Heritage Residencies Programme - pairing partners from our Creative Cities with UNESCO Heritage sites to see what can be created together.

More information is available by following the link in our bio!

21/03/2026

Happy to all of our friends all over the world and thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us yesterday!

Address

John Knox House, Top Floor, 45 High Street
Edinburgh
EH11SR

Telephone

+441315579850

Website

http://www.cityofliterature.com/

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