 Liz Lochhead hopes to be a worthy successor to Edwin Morgan |
The Motherwell-born poet, author and playwright Liz Lochhead is to take over from Edwin Morgan as Poet Laureate for the city of Glasgow. Morgan, who is in his mid 80s, has asked to step down from the post he has held since 1999.
Lochhead, who has published four books and five collections of poetry, said she was delighted by the appointment and hopes to a worthy successor.
Her appointment coincides with the start of Glasgow's first book festival.
'Long overdue'
The "Aye Write" festival hopes to celebrate "the rich variety of Glaswegian writing" and brings the best of Scottish and international writers to the city.
The week-long event will feature more than 60 sessions with speakers including authors such as Louise Welsh, William McIlvanney and Iain Banks.
Ms Lochhead said: "I think it is obvious that Glasgow, which is a great place for readers and writers, obviously should have a book festival.
"I think it is probably very long overdue and I am sure it is going to be a huge success."
Mr Morgan is to retain the title of Scots Makar, or national poet.
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