Scott's lost poem...

A poem by Sir Walter Scott, previously unpublished, is to read in public as part of the 'Scottsland Programme'. 'The Hills of Killearn' had been kept for 200 years in the care of the Baillie-Hamilton family of Cambusmore House, alongside 9 nine letters written to an associate of Scott. The emergence of these documents celebrate the 200th anniversary of Scott's poem 'The Lady and the Lake'. 

History beckons...

A new literary award is to be unveiled, honouring historical novels in the name of the father of the genre. The Walter Scott Prize, is being set up by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, to 'properly honour' the author's 'immense achievements', and cement his place 'as one of the world's most influential novelists'. Scott's novel 'Waverly' is generally regarded as one of the first historical novels. Published in 1814 and set in1745, it is this work which is to define the term 'historical novel'; the parameter established as needing at least sixty years between the publication date and time period of its setting. The £25,000 award will feature at the Borders Book Festival in June.