Arts, culture and heritage: Scotland's Makar - national poet for Scotland

The First Minister appointed Gaelic-speaking poet, Peter Mackay, as Scotland’s fifth Makar on 2 December 2024. Read more in the news release.

The role of Scotland’s Makar or National Poet for Scotland, is a unique Scottish Government appointment.

It is a significant national role which attracts much interest. 

The role rewards an accomplished poet who can speak for the nation’s community of poets and to their readers, and who represents the diversity of Scotland. 

They are also asked to undertake a leadership role in promoting poetry and to encourage the reading and writing of poetry in Scotland. This includes encouraging young people as well as personally participating in poetry events and writing poems. 

Previous holders of this role include Edwin Morgan (2004-10), Liz Lochhead (2011-2016),  Jackie Kay (2016-2021) and Kathleen Jamie (2021-2024).

Each incumbent shapes the role to their own interests and talents.

Appointment process 2024

 We used a streamlined process to choose the Makar in 2024 following a review of the process in 2023. Following Kathleen Jamie’s departure from the role in August 2024,we convened an expert panel to consider nominations for the next Makar.

They met twice to consider potential candidates against the role description. They compiled a confidential shortlist of potential candidates and agreed upon a recommendation which the First Minister accepted.