Welcome to the Scottish Centre of International PEN

Scottish PEN is part of International PEN, a dynamic worldwide association of writers pledged to protect freedom of expression and promote literature across frontiers throughout the world.

“In a world where independent voices are increasingly stifled, PEN is not a luxury it is a necessity.”

Margaret Atwood, Vice-President, International PEN.

Latest News

  • News

    Ragip Zarakolu Update

    20 Nov 2011 - 18:54

    Jean Rafferty of Scottish PEN's Writer's in Prison Committee remembers Ragip Zarakolu and gives details of his present situation

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  • News

    November Issue of New Writing now on-line

    3 Nov 2011 - 13:28

    PENning Steps, the November 2011 issue of our on-line magazine, New Writing, is now on-line and may be viewed at http://www.scottishpen.org/new-writing/penning-steps. We were delighted to have Robin Mackenzie to help us choose the poems. You can read his blog about his experience as guest editor at http://www.scottishpen.org/news/archive/scottish-pen-blogspot. We are now open for submissions from eligible contributors for our May 2012 issue. The theme of our next issue is PENning Spirit (the theme of next year’s Refugee Week) and the deadline is 30 April 2012.

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  • News

    Publisher and Human Rights Defender Ragip Zarakolu Arrested

    31 Oct 2011 - 13:53

    Ragip Zarakolu detained along with Professor Büsra Ersanli, and dozens of others.

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The written word is the life blood of communication and democracy, and attempts to silence writers anywhere in the world affect us all. Now in the 21st century we need to be more alert than ever to the curtailment of free expression, and more active than ever in helping the written word to cross borders.

For over 80 years Scottish PEN has been committed to fostering a dynamic literary culture in Scotland, vital for the nation to play its part on the international stage.

Join Scottish PEN

Are you a writer or editor? Do you care about Scotland’s literary future? Are you concerned about the writers who suffer under repressive regimes?

Then please support us. Become a member – click Join Scottish PEN to find out how to join.

Contact Scottish PEN

Contact us at info@scottishpen.org

 

Slideshow photographs courtesy of
Mike Knowles, Pascal Saez and PEN members.

 

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