A book dedicated to one of Galloway and Scotland’s foremost poets of modern times will be launched at a major literary event in Gatehouse next week.
The Leaves of the Years: Poems, Essays and Memories in William Neill’s Centenary Year, features the work of many of Scotland’s best known and most distinguished writers.
The collection, edited by poets Stuart Paterson, who is from Kirkbean, and Hugh McMillan from Penpont will be officially unveiled at the Big Lit Festival on July 21.
Mr Paterson told the News: “It’s been a real honour and joy compiling and editing with Hugh this hugely important, unique book commemorating the centenary year of the birth of Willie Neill, one of Scotland’s most important and unique writers.
“It’s also a book about someone whom many writers and artists and aye, teaching colleagues and pupils were very lucky to know and be supported by over a long period.
“Willie – never William – always ended his letters to me with ‘aye keep caain awa’ – ‘always keep trying your hardest’.
“He was never one for self-acclaim or kowtowing to others.
“But his honesty, talent and wide-ranging, ongoing influence will, we’re sure, be totally brought to the fore in ‘The Leaves of the Years’."
“The book also means that the voices of so many ensure his own voice caas awa noo mair than ever.”
Mr McMillan said: “Willie Neill epitomises what it means to be a ‘local’ writer – someone who is able to explore universal themes affecting everyone, using the languages, culture, even the publishers, of home.
“Of course, he didn’t get the recognition from the powers that be as a result of this .
“But it’s time folk woke up to the fact that Dumfries and Galloway today is a literary powerhouse – and most of that is down to his example.”
The Leaves of the Years, published by Drunk Muse Press, includes works by Gerda Stevenson, Christine de Luca, WN Herbert, Dolina Maclennan, Nicola Black, Donald Murray, Liz Niven, Derrick McClure and Tom Pow.
Details at https://biglit.org/thursday-july-21st/
