John Coutts

I am a poet, performer, author and translator. I’ve written extensively for BBC radio and published books and articles in the fields of literature and religion. I am also Poet-in-Residence at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling.

As a poet, I believe that obscurity is not profundity, and that obscenity is not originality. I write in ‘traditional’ metres – and many of my poems are intended for public performance as well as private reading.

My solo show – “A Box of Surprises – an entertainment in poetry and story-telling” – provides plenty of opportunity for the audience to take part. It has been presented in schools, clubs, churches and theatres, I recently joined forces with the Syrian guitarist, Ayman Jarjour, to present “Sounds and Sweet Airs” as a fund-raiser for aid to the Middle East.

My qualifications include a first class degree in English Language and Literature from Oxford University. I am also a linguist – a number of my translations from Russian appear in: The Complete Works of Alexander Pushkin in English” – Published by Milner & Co..

I have enjoyed a long career as a freelance scriptwriter and broadcaster – my “Thought for the Day” is – a frequent feature on BBC Radio Scotland’. I have also written many ‘News Assembly’ scripts for schools, published online by Optimus Education

I’ve served as Chair of the Writer’s for Peace Committee of Scottish PEN – contributing to the “Power of Goodness” project: – a trilingual scheme provides teaching material for use in schools in Chechnya