Stirling Makar, Kevin P Gilday

Kevin P. Gilday is an award-winning poet and performer from Glasgow. He is a National Theatre of Scotland Associate Artist, a BBC Writersroom Scottish Voice, a UNESCO City of Literature Resident Writer and one of Scotland’s most celebrated contemporary poets. He was recently included in the Saltire Society’s ’40 under 40’ list celebrating outstanding Scottish creative talent.

His commitment to Scottish poetry has seen him curate and produce countless events around the country. He is the founder of poetry performance collective The Scribbler’s Union and co-founder of much-loved spoken word cabaret night Sonnet Youth. He is currently the facilitator of poetry workshop series The Verse Foundry.

Kevin has performed all over the world, from Hollywood to East Kilbride, including major festivals (BBC 6Music Festival, Glastonbury), Fringes (Edinburgh, Toronto, Vancouver), literary festivals (Edinburgh International Book Festival, Verve Poetry Festival) as well as large scale tours of the UK, Europe, the US and Canada. He has supported artists and public figures such as Akala, Saul Williams, George the Poet, Jackie Kay, Liz Lochhead, Sage Francis, The Silencers and Jeremy Corbyn MP.

He has published five books of poetry, with his most recent – Anxiety Music – released by Verve Press in September of 2022 to universal acclaim and promoted via a 22-date tour of the UK and Europe.

Stirling’s new Makar, Kevin P Gilday, is relishing the chance to work with communities ahead of his first official engagement.

Kevin officially became Stirling’s fifth modern Makar at the end of 2024 as he replaced Laura Fyfe, who served in the role from February 2021.

He has previously published five books of poetry, his most recent release, 2022’s ‘Anxiety Music’ was supported by a tour across the UK and Europe, receiving widespread acclaim. Kevin has also performed across North America and was named in the Saltire Society’s 2023 40 under 40 list celebrating outstanding Scottish talent.

Following his appointment, Kevin met with Lord Provost Elaine Watterson to discuss his plans for the role and how he will engage with the public through Stirling Council’s Library Service.

Kevin’s first official engagement in the role is a Meet the Makar event that takes place on Thursday 20 February at Stirling Central Library (6-7pm). The free, bookable event will offer an informal chance for residents to meet Kevin following a spoken word performance and ask any burning questions about his work. To book a ticket, please call 01786 237760 or email centrallibrary@stirling.gov.uk.

Speaking about his appointment, Kevin Gilday said: “I'm absolutely buzzing to take up the role of Makar for Stirling. Following on from the hard work of outgoing Makar Laura Fyfe, I want to bring poetry into the everyday lives of people in the area and show that poetry is for everyone. I'm looking forward to capturing Stirling and its incredible communities in verse over the next few years.”

Lord Provost Elaine Watterson said: “I’m incredibly excited to welcome Kevin to the role of Makar and having met with him, I can’t wait to see what he does with the opportunity. He is an incredibly talented writer and performer and will be an immense asset to Stirling’s communities over the course of his tenure as Makar.”

Kevin’s next official engagement in the role will be Evening with Makar and Friends, Thursday 15 May, 6:30pm-8:00pm, at Stirling University Library.