An evening that celebrates storytelling, connection, and the enduring power of words.

Brought to you in partnership with Porty Pride and The Portobello Bookshop, this event offers a unique opportunity to spend time with a writer whose work has shaped contemporary literature and spoken powerfully to themes of identity, belonging, love, and community.

Jackie Kay is an award-winning poet, novelist, and former Makar of Scotland, widely recognised for her warmth, wit, and deeply human storytelling. From her groundbreaking debut collection The Adoption Papers, which explores family, race, and identity through multiple voices, to her more recent work including May Day, her writing continues to resonate with honesty, insight, and emotional depth.

This evening will celebrate the breadth of Jackie Kay’s extraordinary career tracing the journey from her early work to her latest writing alongside readings, reflections, and conversation.

Whether you’ve followed her work for years or are discovering it for the first time, this promises to be a rich, welcoming, and inspiring event.

Come and be part of an evening that celebrates storytelling, connection, and the enduring power of words. We look forward to welcoming you.

Ticket Prices

£10.99 – Book & In-person Audience

In-person access, along with a physical copy of May Day (RRP £10.99) – Limited to 4 per person

£5.00 In-person Audience

In-person event access (ticket-only) – Limited to 4 per person. This is not a voucher, so it is not redeemable against the price of the book at the event.

£0.00 Free In-person Audience

Free in-person event access – Limited to 1 per person – Free access is limited, so please consider leaving for those who can’t afford other options

Accessibility

Euan’s Guide Disabled Access Reviews

• Wheelchair Access
  • Via Ramp – 1:10 ratio, 300g loading capacity
  • Fully automated front doors.
  • Clearance to access the staff toilet – 700mm wide
• Sound
  • PA system
  • Hearing loop system
  • If you wish to attend an event and require BSL interpretation, please give us a few weeks notice and we’ll do our best to arrange an interpreter