Poetry Pathways

West Lothian Council Arts and Cultural Services developed this creative writing project in partnership with the Scottish Poetry Library to engage small, rural primary schools in West Lothian in the arts. Exploring the themes of nature, the environment and rural isolation, pupils were encouraged to take a closer look at their natural and built environment through poetry.

Professional poets Liz Niven, Elspeth Murray and Ken Cockburn helped pupils to develop their imaginations and their creative writing skills and, ultimately, to create their own poems using a variety of forms and techniques.

"Thanks for the opportunity to take part in this project. It has been of huge educational benefit to our pupils. We really enjoyed the whole experience and the (sharing) event yesterday."
Teacher at Winchburgh Primary School

Poetry Pathways Selection

Read a selection of the children's published poems from the Poetry Pathways anthology, written by pupils from Falla Hill, Longridge, Torphichen, Winchburgh and Woodmuir Primary Schools.

DOWNLOAD: Poetry Pathways Selection

CPD Worksheets

CPD worksheets have been created by Liz Niven and the Scottish Poetry Library for poetry workshops which were run by West Lothian Council Arts and Cultural Services for the primary schools in the project.

DOWNLOAD: Poetry Pathways CPD Worksheets 

Project Report

Read Cultural Co-ordinator Nancy Douglas's report giving details of the Poetry Pathways project.

DOWNLOAD: Poetry Pathways Report