A number of our members and other Scottish poets have written poems in response to the current conflict, and have kindly given permission for them to be shared here. Scottish PEN invites further poetic and literary responses to the poems.

Readings of international writers struggling against oppression by UoEd Creative Writing students. Featuring Nada Shawa, Scottish Gazan poet, author of Indigenous Soul: Gaza and Me

1 December, 2025: Scottish PEN stands in solidarity with writers, artists and activists arrested in Scotland and charged under the Terrorism Act for protesting in support of the ideal of one humanity living in peace in one world. These protesters include acclaimed Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty and Scottish PEN’s Vice President, Lizzie Eldridge. We support […]

Scottish PEN is very gravely concerned by the recent arrest and charges under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act of its vice-president, Lizzie Eldridge, for taking part in a silent protest against the proscription of Palestine Action in Edinburgh on September 6th (see attached photo). even though no arrests were made at the time.  It […]

Lizzie Eldridge, the chair of Scottish PEN’s Writers At Risk Committee, was recently interviewed by Palestine International Broadcast in her capacity as a writer and activist.  The discussion covered many aspects as the horrors taking place in Gaza, including the recent arrest for protesting in Edinburgh of award-winning Scottish screenwriter, Paul Laverty, the targeting of journalists […]

Ken Loach and Paul Laverty standing in solidarity with activists at the Edinburgh Film Festival Today, 26 August, 2025, Scottish PEN released the statement below on the arrest of award-winning Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty, giving its full support to him and other writers and citizens who would exercise their rights to freedom of expression and […]

In a Scottish PEN event held at The Ark in Glasgow on 16th August 2025, Eman Al Haj Ali talks about her recent experiences in Gaza and the deliberate targeting of Palestinian journalists.

Scottish PEN is supporting the Scottish Poetry Library in the presentation of two events in August.

30 June 2025 – English PEN, Scottish PEN, Wales PEN Cymru and PEN International are deeply concerned by the UK government’s proposal to proscribe the protest group Palestine Action under terrorism legislation. We urge the authorities to reconsider this step and to ensure full respect for the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful […]