Quotes from iconic Scottish poets unveiled on walls of Scottish Parliament

Daily Record

13-06-2025

The works have been carved into stones from across the country by Perthshire-based stone carver Gillian Forbes, assisted by apprentice Cameron Wallace.
Scotland's esteemed poets have graced the Scottish Parliament walls with their verses - thanks to a Perthshire stone carver.
The words of former Scots Makars Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie now permanently adorn the parliamentary estate, thanks to the craftsmanship of Glenfarg stone carver Gillian Forbes and her apprentice Cameron Wallace.
‌
Etched into stones hailing from across Scotland, they have been placed on the Canongate Wall of Holyrood, which sits on the Royal Mile.
‌
With these additions, there are now 29 engraved quotations on the wall, celebrating the rich tapestry of Scottish literature, from revered writers to timeworn proverbs and cherished poetry.
Achnaba Schist sourced near Lochgilphead served as the canvas for Lochhead's poignant contribution: "this".
"our one small country..
"our one, wondrous, spinning, dear green place.
"What shall we build of it, together".
"in this our one small time and space?".
‌
Kay's heartfelt words carved into Ailsa Craig Granite from Ayrshire, says : "Where do you come from?".
"'Here,' I said, 'Here. These parts.'".
‌
Meanwhile, Jamie's Dalbeattie Granite inscription from Dumfriesshire, says: "Be brave:".
"by the weird-song in the dark you'll find your way."
‌
Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer, lauded the installation as an homage to the artistry and dedication of women excelling in their fields within Scotland.
She remarked: "The inspirational words of our three poets – Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie – combine with the skill of stone carver Gillian Forbes, making these quotes something of real beauty using stone from across Scotland.
‌
"This is only possible thanks to the original vision of Enric Miralles and artist Soraya Smithson, who designed the wall as a permanent reminder of our rich cultural heritage.
"I'm proud to unveil these new quotes, which ensure that this piece of living public sculpture reflects the writing talent we have in Scotland today."
Lochhead, Makar between 2011 and 2016, said: "It's a big part of my life, being a Scot, being somebody who has a Parliament, and getting some of my words on the walls here, it's fantastic."
‌
Kay, who succeeded as Makar in 2016 until 2021, shared: "It's a huge honour and so extraordinary to be carved into stone.
"It's so strange to think of your words surviving you – but in a sense, that's every writer's dream."
Jamie, who held the title of Makar from 2021 until last year, added: "Poetry is very democratic. It's available to anybody – through libraries, through memory. It's free, and it's absolutely of our culture."