Brownsbank Fellowship Writers
From 1993 to the early 2000s seven writers lived at Brownsbank for periods of between one and two years. They have all since gone on to become major figures in the Scottish literary landscape. Below we present these writers who are living testimony to the inspirational power of Brownsbank as well as powerful ambassadors for the institution of writer in residence.
James Robertson
‘Brownsbank changed my life: as simple as that. Being offered a stipend and a roof over my head - and not just any old roof but one that had previously sheltered my great literary hero, Hugh MacDiarmid - allowed me to give up full-time employment and begin to make my living as a writer, which I have been doing for 25 years. It wouldn’t have happened without my two years at Brownsbank. They are full of good memories, for which I will always be grateful, and it’s time now to enable Brownsbank to work its magic on a new generation of writers and readers.’
Matthew Fitt
‘Steyin at Brounsbank chynged ma life. There's nae ither wey tae pit it. But n Ben A-Go-Go wis scrievit there. And Itchy Coo wis stertit there. It remains at the hert o Scottish literature and the Scots language. Wioot Brounsbank and Hugh and Valda's immeisurable legacy, Scotland's culture wid be a puir shilpit craitur insteid o the fiery phoenix lowsed by MacDiarmid fae the cauldside o a Lanarkshire hill.’ - But n Ben A-Go-Go (Luath Press, 2000) - Kate o Shanter's Tale (Luath Press, 2003) - Time Tram Dundee (Waverley Press, 2006) - The Eejits trans. (Itchy Coo, 2006) - Mr Mingin trans. (Itchy Coo, 2015) - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stane trans. (Itchy Coo, 2017)
Gerry Cambridge
My two years in MacDiarmid’s cottage were life-changing. They gave me a settled base for a predetermined time after the uncertainties of caravan living in Ayrshire; they gave me my first experience of being a poet in a community setting, and acknowledged as such; they introduced me to the pleasures of introducing children in schools—especially primary schools—to poetry and the natural world; they furnished me with writing silence to develop my own work. As a former caravan dweller, I also loved the creatively nurturing sense of the cottage itself: its solid walls, its coal fire, the frosty skinklings of constellations on winter nights over the hills. The fire which features in the title poem of my most recent book of poems, Notes for Lighting a Fire, is the one in the hearth at Brownsbank.
Aonghas MacNeacail
Aonghas MacNeacail (7 June 1942 – 19 December 2022), nickname ``Aonghas dubh`` or ``Black Angus``, was a a towering figure in modern Gaelic literature, Aonghas wrote poetry primarily in that language but also in Scots and English. A broadcaster, scriptwriter, librettist and translator, he published several collections and performed his work throughout the world. A collection of new and selected poems, dèanamh gàire ris a’ chloc (laughing at the clock) was published in 2012 and beyond, a selection of largely unpublished poems in English, came out posthumously in 2023.
Linda Cracknell
'Brownsbank Cottage was an iconic and intriguing place to be attached to for three years. I enjoyed the sense of being one of a number of people connected to a creative life there, being part of its legacy and passing this onto visitors. The residency gave me the skills and confidence to make the transition between a writing life that was an adjunct to a demanding job, and making my writing life my work. I intended to depart from Brownsbank as a freelance writer and creative writing teacher in 2005 and haven't looked back since. A particular creative highlight for me was my radio play about Valda Trevlyn Grieve, recorded on location. This connection between my imaginative life and the cottage consolidated for me a tangible and memorable sense of place which I retain with great affection.’
Carl MacDougall
“I found Brownsbank a wonderful resource, creatively and socially and have very happy memories of working alone late at night with the wind and the dog for company.’ Carl was one of Scotland’s most respected writers, producing three novels, four short story collections and numerous other works over his long career. He also wrote and presented the television series Scots: the Language of the People and Writing Scotland for BBC2, and was an influential editor of magazines and anthologies. Already Too Late: A Boyhood Memoir was published posthumously to great acclaim in 2023.
Tom Bryan
'I was writer-in-residence at Brownsbank Cottage from Nov. 2005 until Nov. 2008. I was living in Kelso so under terms of my contract would do one week at Brownsbank and one week at home. The Brownsbank week would see me working with writers and writing groups throughout South Lanarkshire: Biggar, Lanark, Strathaven, Kirkmuirhill, Carluke and other places. I would also host writers, visitors and events at Brownsbank Cottage, including annual Open Days. The work was interesting, enjoyable and good for my own writing (mainly poetry) which progressed during that time. Staying overnights at Brownsbank was always an 'adventure': mice,plumbing problems, water shortages and keeping the fire going for warmth. I got to know the cottage well.' Brownsbank Writing Fellow 2005-2008
New Beginnings
The story of Brownsbank and the Writing Fellowhsip from 1989 to 2016
The death of Valda Grieve in 1989 left Brownsbank Cottage empty of life but full of artefacts and memories. One question that arose from Valda’s passing was what was to become of the cottage. The building remained the property of the neighbouring Tweedie family who had no immediate plans to utilise the but and ben.
Voices did exist that put a value on the cottage being maintained and its contents cherished. Graham U’ren, Director of Planning at Clydesdale District Council, and Prof. Denis Roberts FRSE, Librarian of the National Library of Scotland, were keen to establish a steering group to investigate proposals that would secure the future of the cottage and its heritage.
Graham U’ren contacted Brian Lambie, Director of Biggar Museum Trust (BMT) to discuss a way forward and, shortly afterwards, a steering group was initiated under the convenorship of BMT Trustee Jim Ness. Other members included Margaret Street MBE, campaigner, Patrick Cadell CBE, archivist, Jenni Calder, author and historian, Neil McCallum, poet and political activist, Mike Hunter, National Trust for Scotland, Brian Lambie and group secretary Ann Hornal (later, Matheson.)
The steering group recognised that the primary objective would be the purchase of the cottage and set about planning a number of fundraising events to achieve this aim; these included an art auction held at Christies of Edinburgh with contributions from, among others, Ian Campbell, Ken Currie and Richard Demarco; a Fun Run, from Coulter to Baitlaws, where the prizes were presented by poet Norman MacCaig, golfer Tony Jacklin and the actor Eric Cullen, known to all as Wee Burnie.
An official appeal was launched in 1991 and held in the town’s Municipal Hall with the actor Tom Fleming present. This event raised substantial funds and was complemented by a cheque of £3,000 provided by Clydesdale District Council. Mrs Marjorie Linklater, wife of the novelist Eric, was also a generous donor. Sufficient funds were now available to purchase the cottage.
With the cottage now owned by the Trust the steering group’s next priority was the renovation of both the interior and exterior of the cottage. The building was thoroughly cleaned and all contents catalogued. Wallpaper that had loosened from the wall was rehung. Outside, stonework was re-pointed and rendered, slates were replaced and a replica gate manufactured. Fencing was erected and pathways cleared. A new door knocker was made for the front entrance.
It was recognised that further and regular support was needed to assist the aims of the steering group and new members were co-opted in 1992 onto a ‘Brownsbank Committee’ which in turn replaced the steering group. The committee’s new members included Councillor Tom McAlpine, Alec Bell, Arts Officer CDC, Kate Reilly and Bill Deerin. The new committee inherited one main objective from the steering group: the creation of a writing fellowship.
While maintenance continued around the house and gardens, (new turf, donated by William Dunbar, was laid in the back garden), work was also underway to secure new funding to support the stipend of a resident writer. Grants were provided by Strathclyde Regional Council, Clydesdale District Council and the Scottish Arts Council with a small grant from the Post Office. The first and second sponsors were later replaced by South Lanarkshire Council, and the third by Creative Scotland.
With funding secure the committee appointed Dr James Robertson, 1993, (followed by two-year residences for Matthew Fitt, 1995, Gerry Cambridge, 1997, and three-year residences thereafter for Aonghas MacNeacail, 1999, Linda Cracknell, 2002, Tom Bryan, 2005, and Carl MacDougall, 2008). An official evening launch took place at the Municipal Hall in the spring of 1993 while, earlier on the same day, at the cottage, the poet Edwin Morgan planted a rowan tree.
The writers-in-residence had a remit to work with local schools, libraries, care homes and social work establishments, to encourage creative writing across the district, in some cases initiating new groups, and supporting established ones. Incumbents were encouraged to produce work of their own and participate in events organised by the committee on behalf of BMT as well as report to the regular Brownsbank committee.
Alan Riach, Professor of Scottish Literature at the University of Glasgow, joined the committee at this time. Bob Hume, principal teacher of English at Biggar High School also joined as too did Eric Young, educationalist.
Another aspect of work worth noting by the Brownsbank committee was to secure the name MacDiarmid to a new housing development in Biggar. MacDiarmid Court is to be found off North Back Road.
An anthology comprising poems and short stories written by the first five fellows was published by BMT in 2005 entitled Stepping into the Avalanche.
Guest poets were also invited to read their poetry at local venues. Guests included Edwin Morgan, Jon Silkin, Ron Butlin, Jackie Kay, Robert Crawford, Stewart Conn and Don Paterson.
Publications which featured creative writing from writers across Clydesdale endorsed by the writing fellowship include Mistaken Identities (1994), Biggar Little Stories (2005), Brownsbank (2009) and From Under a Bushel (2011).
2010 saw personnel changes to the committee. Chairman Jim Ness and secretary Ann Matheson, Bill Deerin and Kate Reilly stood down. They were replaced by Eric Young as chairman, Vicki Feaver and Andrew McCallum as secretary.
The Fellowship had continued to achieve its aims in creative writing for eighteen years until 2011. At this time funding was withdrawn by its two main providers. The committee was left with difficult choices. One solution was to invite writers to enjoy short residences at the cottage before closing its door. These included Kirsty Logan, Richie McCaffery and the late poet Lorna J. Waite among others.
A decision was made by BMT to change the status of the committee to that of an independent Trust. This was thought to be in the best interests of all concerned and took place in 2016.
Bill Deerin (July 2025)
