Stirling Makar issues call for inspiration as city prepares to celebrate 900th anniversary

Stirling’s Makar wants to hear what locals feel makes Stirling special as she creates a lasting poetic legacy in Stirling’s 900th year.

The Royal Burgh of Stirling is one of the oldest burghs in Scotland, with 2024 marking its 900th anniversary with a series of events taking place across the year.

And Stirling Makar Laura Fyfe is among those marking the occasion by using her own talents.

While she has many of her own ideas, she is also asking the people of the area to provide their own inspiration.

She posted: “I’m writing a poem (or five) for the 900 year anniversary and so I’d love to hear what you think makes Stirling and Stirling folk different to anywhere else?

“Are we only about battles and bridges?

“Incidentally, I’m having great fun researching this.

“Murray Cook [Stirling’s archaeologist] and the Walking the Marches gents have been particularly helpful, as have Stirling Libraries, who supplied me with Craig Mair’s ‘The Royal Burgh’.”

Laura Fyfe has come in for significant praise for her work since being appointed as Makar.

The role sees her creating and promoting poetry, reading and writing.

As well as regularly visiting local libraries and schools to encourage children and young people to engage with reading and writing, she has provided guidance and support to new writers in the area and hosted a number of workshops.

In her role as Stirling’s Makar, Laura has also represented Stirling at a national level, performing at the Scottish Parliament last year as part of St Andrew’s Day celebrations.

Last year, Stirling Council’s civic panel praised her work, with Councillor Rachel Nunn saying: “We can consider ourselves lucky beyond words to have Laura as Stirling’s Makar since her appointment in 2021.

“Her work to make poetry accessible and engaging is invaluable, as is the mentorship and advocacy for local writers she has shown.

“Laura’s work continues to raise the profile of Stirling to the rest of the country as a place of literary talent and appreciation and I’m excited to see how she continues to build on this.”

Laura Fyfe said: “When I was appointed Makar, I promised to bring poetry to the people of Stirling, and bring Stirling poetry to the world.

“Poetry is for everyone, not just stuffy academics, and so it’s a passion and a pleasure to help raise awareness of the fun, beauty and potential of poetry.”

Laura Fyfe was named as Stirling’s fourth modern Makar in February 2021. She follows Magi Gibson (2009-2012), Anita Govan (2012-2015) and Clive Wright (2016-2019).

The role of Makar (poet or bard) dates back to the court of James IV in the 15th century.

In October 2008 Stirling Council agreed to approve the process for the appointment of a Makar to promote poetry, reading and writing across the council area, and to celebrate Stirling using poetry as an accessible and engaging medium.

Stirling’s Makar is a non-salaried position with an honorarium of £1000 per annum from the civic budget to cover expenses and travel.

For further information about Stirling 900 events visit https://www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/stirling-900.

For more from Stirling’s Makar visit https://www.facebook.com/stirlingmakar