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.

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 […]