Book News: Moniack Mhor writing centre goes independent, Colin Barrett wins Guardian award
Highland writers’ retreat Moniack Mhor has unveiled its 2015 programme of events – its first as an independent entity – featuring a host of internationally-renowned authors including Michel Faber, Val McDermid and Liz Lochhead.
The retreat will run a major programme of events and courses for writers at its base near Loch Ness next year, with Alan Bissett, Saltire Literary Award nominee John Burnside and The Book of Strange New Things author Faber among those set to lead tutorials and courses.
Rachel Humphries, Centre Director, said: “This move of independence will bring creative freedom of expression over the programme,” while Moniack Mhor chairman and founder Kit Fraser said: “I’m thrilled, that now, after 21 years, we’re finally going it alone.”
Moniack Mhor – which had previously worked alongside writers’ charity Arvon since its inception in 1993 – launches its 2015 programme tonight in Inverness.
In other literary news, Irish author Colin Barrett has won the Guardian first book award for his short story collection Young Skins. Barrett is the second Irishman to win the £10,000 award in as many years, after compatriot Donal Ryan won for The Spinning Heart in 2013.
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