Scottish PEN is a centre of PEN International and not-for-profit organisation that champions freedom of expression and literature across borders.

We are a membership organisation and work with a range of writers, campaigners, activists and communities across Scotland and around the world.

Find out more about us.

All members of Scottish PEN subscribe to the PEN Charter.

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Featured Member's Writing

Valerie Gillies

The Spring Teller

Every spring has its own song – from potent legendary wells to inspiring new sources. Listening to the voice of each one, world renowned poet Valerie Gillies composed a new poem to fit. “The Spring Teller” records the author’s remarkable journey across Scotland, which took over three years and included visits to over a hundred springs.

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PENning, the Writers in Exile Committee’s biannual online journal, presents work by Scottish PEN’s member-writers alongside writing from people living in Scotland who are from other parts of the world.

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