Scotland’s Next Generation Young Makars 2026

Autumn Walker, Peterhead
(mentored by Victoria McNulty)

I would like to improve my understanding of traditional poetry forms and structures, as most of my writing currently leans towards contemporary poetry.  I admire Len Pennie and Sheena Blackhall for their use and celebration of the Scots language. I connected with how unapologetically Len Pennie writes in Scots and how she brings the language to new audiences. I also grew up hearing and reading Sheena Blackhall’s work from a young age, which made her poetry feel familiar to me.  

In five years, I would hope to have published at least my first book of poyums published , as writing and poetry are things I would like to continue developing alongside my education.  

Fearghas MacLugh, Skye
(mentored by Niall O’Gallagher)

It’s been a dream of mine to become a published poet, and make an impact in the world, as well as represent Gaelic and encourage its revival. I’m a student at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a place that represents much of the Gaelic world and creates many new Gaelic speakers. I would like to be a published poet/author, contributing poetry to Gaelic literature and getting my pieces into the world, to inspire people like a true artist. I’m hoping to become an impact to the Gaelic world, Scotland and poetry.

Harry Ledgerwood, Ayr
(mentored by Colin Bramwell)

I am delighted and grateful to have been awarded a place on the Young Makars Scheme. To write with a sense of freedom to test new ideas and a trusty guide throughout this is really the dream for any young poet. I’m excited to see what the collaboration between myself and Colin brings.  I would like to have a pamphlet/book sized collection of poems which would be considered in publishable shape (both in terms of the individual poems and the collection as a whole). This would be a mixture of existing poems and ones I write during the course of the mentorship.

Lexi Ashcroft, Aberdeen
(mentored by Aoife Lyall)

I am very excited to be working alongside my fellow Young Makars and our excellent mentors. I hope to develop both as a person and as a poet, while helping to promote engagement with poetry in my local area. I would love to publish a pamphlet within five years. I am really aiming to put more of my poetry out into the world and onto a simple website to keep track of how far I progress. I would also love to write in Doric and perform in Doric. I would also love to develop more confidence in performing poetry.

Neave Scott , Kilbarchan in Renfrewshire
(mentored by Janette Ayachi)

I am absolutely ecstatic that I secured a Young Makars mentorship, and can’t wait to begin my sessions with Janette. This is an amazing opportunity to develop my poetic voice and to chip away at the wall of secrecy and uncertainty that surrounds it at times. I hope to find discipline, the confidence to submit my writing to publications, and fully realise my writing practice. I think in five years time, I would like to have found the sort of writing I’m good at, and keep working at it. As long as I can write most of the time and do what I can to make ends meet, I will be truly happy. 

Robert Thorne, Kiltarlity in Inverness-Shire
(mentored by Niall Campbell)

One of the hardest parts of being a writer in the early stages of your career is feeling heard. Unlike other art forms, it’s a slow, solitary practice, which can make it hard to keep faith that it’s worthwhile. Hence, being part of the 2026 Young Makars programme represents much more than just mentorship or advice: it’s the confidence in myself to keep going. My goal for this year is to finish the novel I’m working on. If I can somehow get that edited, improved, and published, I would be content. A poetry collection would also be wonderful but seems more unlikely due to the much smaller demand.