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Writing groups in Scotland
Writing support groups based across Scotland
A writing group can be a brilliant source of support and motivation. If you can't see a group in your local area here, try searching online, getting touch with your library or community centre, or consider setting one up yourself!
During lockdown these groups may be running online instead, so get in touch if you're not sure. We have a list of online writing workshops here(this will open in a new window).
If you'd like to add your group to this page, please email andrew.blair@scottishbooktrust.com(this will open in a new window). We need to know when and where your group meets, what you do and how to contact you (either a website or email address). There is a 50 word limit for listings.
Groups are listed under their local authority area.
Online
The Fiction Writers' Club
A Facebook group for writers to share ideas and work.
WriteWords
A longstanding web forum with online writing groups and user feedback.
Website: http://www.writewords.org.uk/
Nationwide
Open Book
Open Book organise and run weekly shared reading and creative writing sessions for a diverse range of community and public participants across Scotland.
Website: http://openbookreading.com/#events
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
The SCBWI South East Scotland network holds regular meet-ups and teach-ins, where we swap information on writer’s craft, such as dialogue, character breakdown and plot development. They have regional contacts and events across the country.
Website: https://britishisles.scbwi.org/local-networks/south-east-scotland/
Aberdeen
Books and Beans Poetry Group
The group meets at 7pm on the last Thursday of each month.
Website: http://www.booksandbeans.co.uk/
Grampian Association of Storytellers
Grampian Association of Storytellers (GAS) is a group whereby people from all walks of life come along to listen to stories, and tell stories orally. We organise events, workshops and get-togethers, and provide professional storytellers. GAS meets monthly.
Lemon Tree Writers
The group meet at 11am on alternate Saturdays.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lemontreewriters/
Email: info@lemontreewriters.co.uk
Aberdeenshire
Huntly Writers
Huntly Writers is open to anyone over the age of 18 years who is, or wants to be, actively engaged in creative writing. We are based in the market town of Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where we usually meet on a fortnightly basis.
Website: https://www.huntly-writers.co.uk/
Mearns Writers
The Mearns Writers are "a dynamic group of story writers, poets, and novelists predominantly based within Aberdeen and its surrounding areas". Welcoming all skill levels and walks of life, the Mearns Writers currently meet once a week every Thursday at 7:00 pm through Zoom meetings, due to lockdown.
Website: mearnswriters.simdif.com
North East Writers
North East Writers is a literature development agency aiming to support, promote and coordinate new writing in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, working in partnership with venues, publishers, writers' groups and individual writers based in the region.
Spindrift Writers
Please email for more information.
Website: http://niluser.wixsite.com/jaywilson/events--workshops
Email: spindriftstudio8b@gmail.com
Angus
Angus Writers' Circle
Angus Writers' circle meets at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Rosely Hotel. The programme of meetings includes speakers, workshops and club nights when members read their work and crits are given. Currently not accepting new members due to numbers.
Argyll and Bute
Add[ed.]ition
A writing group near Oban looking for flash fiction, poetry and short stories.
Email: lizardvanilla@gmail.com
The Mull and Iona U3A Creative Writing Group
The Mull and Iona U3A Creative Writing Group meets monthly, usually on Thursday afternoons in Craignure, Isle of Mull. The aim of the group is to improve our writing by critiquing it in a supportive and constructive way. At each meeting we discuss a short piece of writing to starts things off, then read round what each of us has written and comment on it. We welcome new and more experienced writers of poetry or prose.
For more information contact Nancy Somerville via this link
Clackmannanshire
Alloa Writers
Alloa Writers meet every other Wednesday in the games room of the Station Hotel. One of the aims of the group is to support one another by offering feedback on work brought to meetings, and to encourage each member to develop their skills.
Website: http://www.alloawriters.org.uk/
Email: contact@alloawriters.org.uk
Dumfries and Galloway
Crichton Writers
Crichton Writers meet once a month all year round on Thursday mornings on the Crichton Campus, Dumfries. We operate largely as a peer-led group, using the considerable experience acquired over the 18 years the group have had work published and performed.
Lockerbie Writers
A friendly and supportive group that is open to writers of all levels and genres, including beginners. The group meets every second Tuesday from 10am to 12 noon at the Townhead Hotel.
Website: https://lockerbiewritersanthology.wordpress.com/
Email: steph25@talktalk.net
A Novel Approach
A writing group for novelists. This is a small, friendly and supportive group, open to novelists of all genres. Members must be working on a novel, although it could be at any stage from planning to publication. The group meets alternate Tuesdays to Lockerbie Writers at 7.30pm at the King’s Arms Hotel.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1515060758610956/
Email: steph25@talktalk.net
Dundee
Douglas Writers' Group
An informal small group run as part of the University of the Third Age. We meet every Thursday in Douglas Community Centre Dundee at 10 am - 12 noon.
Email: mcgeachyliz@gmail.com
Nethergate Writers
The Nethergate Writers meet on the last Wednesday of every month, in the Dalhousie Building at Dundee University. We welcome all types of writers, from those who have been or are hoping to be published to those who just write for their own enjoyment.
Website: http://www.nethergatewriters.org/
East Ayrshire
South West Writers
We hold regular workshops on material that members bring in and also set tasks at our meetings. These are fortnightly on Tuesdays at the Shortlees Community Centre, 7 - 9pm.
Email: southwestwriters@yahoo.com
Write Lines/Poetry for Wellbeing
A free group run by Caroline Johnstone, meeting every Wednesday from 3.30-4.30 at Patchwork Recovery, Wellington Street, Kilmarnock.
Email: carolinejohnstone@sky.com Phone: Contact details are my email and 07709408880
East Dunbartonshire
Bearsden Writers
A group who meet once a month to take forward writing and publishing ventures. Meetings are at Waitrose Community Room in Milngavie every second Thursday of each month (September - June ) from 10 am-12 pm.
Email: bearsdenwriters@gmail.com
Campsie Writers' Group
An informal group where Authors and prospective authors can share ideas and learn new skills. We meet in the Lennoxtown Library Hub on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 1.30 to 3pm from January to June and September to December.
To book a free place please contact Lennoxtown Library.
Email: campsiewritersgroup@gmail.com
Telephone: 0141 7773151
Strathkelvin Writers' Group
Strathkelvin Writers' Group aims to develop and encourage all forms of writing by its members: fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children's writing.
Website: http://www.strathkelvinwriters.org/
East Lothian
Tyne and Esk Writers
Tyne and Esk Writers comprises of eight writing groups, with around 100 members in total, in Midlothian and East Lothian.
Website: http://tyneandeskwriters.org.uk/
Edinburgh
Captain's Inkwell
The groups meets at the City of Edinburgh Council's South Neighbourhood Office and Library [Gracemount Library] on Captain's Road every second Tuesday at 10-12pm. It's been going since 2013.
Connect and Create
A women only writing group (All women-only events are inclusive of Trans, Intersex women, non-binary and gender fluid people) on the first Saturday of every month at Edinburgh Central Library. It is currently fully booked with a waiting list, so will be readvertised in future when there are spaces.
Website: https://womenslibrary.org.uk/event/connect-create/all/
The Diggers Writers
The group meets at the Tourmalet Bar every Tuesday from 7.30 - 10pm to share, discuss and give criticism. The group is affiliated with The Workers' Educational Association.
Email: johnmccaughie8@gmail.com
Edinburgh Genre Writers
The Edinburgh Genre Group is a collaborative, Milford-style writing workshop for published and unpublished Edinburgh writers interested in writing, critiquing and publishing commercial genre fiction.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EdinburghGenreGroup
Edinburgh Writers' Club
We are a community of writers in the Edinburgh area and beyond, with an annual programme of competitions, workshops and expert speakers. We meet every second Monday from September to May.
Rogue Writers
The group is a forum for anyone who is interested in writing, both readers and writers – new and experienced – to come and read their work and receive helpful criticism in a friendly environment.
Website: https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/Rogue-Writers-Edinburgh/
School of Poets
A Poetry group who meet on the second Tuesday of each month, 6-8pm at the Scottish Poetry Library (except for August and December).
Email: schoolofpoets@yahoo.co.uk
Scottish Arts Club Writers' Group
The Writers' Group meets on the last Wednesday at 7pm in the Studio. All are welcome, from new writers to published authors. Free for Members, £5 per session for non-Members.
Scottish Poetry Library
A variety of writing groups hold events at the SPL. Please visit their Events page for more information.
Stranger Than Fiction
A friendly group of non-fiction writers who meet upstairs in the Washbar at the top of the Mound on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.
Email: alex@alexowenhill.co.uk
WHALE Poetry Group
A poetry group at the WHALE Arts Centre, 11.30am - 1pm on the last Wednesday of the month.
Website: http://www.whalearts.co.uk/
Write On!
Free and open to all, this group is run by Health All Round, a charity and community health project. Thursdays 3pm – 4.30pm, at Tynecastle Community Wing.
Email: Rose@healthallround.org.uk
Southside Writers
Helen Boden runs a weekly creative writing group at the Southside Centre, Nicolson St, Edinburgh. They meet on Friday mornings to write on themes that change on a termly basis.
Email: helenboden@talktalk.net
Falkirk
Denny Writers
We are a Writers Group open to all no matter what age, gender or ability. Our meetings are held on Thursdays at 1.30 pm to 3.30pm.
Website: http://www.dennywriters.btck.co.uk/
Falkirk Writers Circle
The Circle meet every Tuesday evening in the Greenpark Community Centre, Polmont, at 7.30pm.
Fife
Byre Writers
The Byre Writers meet on alternate Saturday mornings in the Byre theatre complex in St Andrews between 10.30am until 12.30 (though some meet at 10am for coffee first). All abilities of writers are welcome to the group.
Email : thebyrewriters@outlook.com
Buckhaven Writing Group
Every Tuesday between 2-4pm at Buckhaven Community Centre. 50p per session.
Largo Library Writers Group
Every Monday, 10am-12pm, at Largo Library. £2 per session, including refreshments.
Library website: http://www.largolibraryfife.org.uk/
Glasgow
Gorbals Writing Group
A monthly writing group meeting on Saturdays at Gorbals Library.
Website: https://gorbalswrites.wordpress.com/
Email: gorbals.wg@gmail.com
Glasgow Science Fiction Writers Circle
A fortnightly workshop for writers of Science Fiction and/or Fantasy. 7.45pm every second Tuesday.
Website: https://gsfwc.wordpress.com/
Email: glasgowsfwriters@gsfwc.co.uk
The Glasgow League of Writers (GLOW)
Currently, GLOW runs in iCafe Merchant City on the last Wednesday of every month, at 7pm. GLOW is a group for comic writers. There are no restrictions on demographics or level of experience, and submitting a script is not compulsory to attend. So long as you are interested in writing comics, and in engaging with scripts on the agenda, you're welcome to attend.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Glasgow-League-of-Writers-286466241380171/ Email: glowriters@gmail.com
Highlands
Caithness Writing Group
We meet every second Monday at 7.00pm in Nethercliff Hotel, Wick.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Caithness-Writers-536106093071994/
Highland LIT
A literary group organising writers' events, open mics and writing groups.
Website: https://www.highlandlit.com/
Email: highlandlit.com@gmail.com
The Pen & I
A co-operative writers group that meets weekly on Tuesday mornings (apart from the school holidays) and offers a warm welcome to anyone who wants to write in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
Email: morag_for@hotmail.com
Sunart Writers' Group
Sunart Writers' Group meets monthly, 3rd Thursday of the month, 7pm, Ardnamurchan Library, Strontian. New members always welcome!
Email: selkiewrite@gmail.com
Words Writing Café
The Café runs once a month from 5pm-6.30pm upstairs in Waterstones, Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Inverclyde
Greenock Writers' Club
All welcome. You don’t have to be an accomplished writer to join our club. Our members are all at different stages and levels of writing. So whether your thing is poetry, short stories, writing articles or perhaps novels, please come along.
Website: http://www.greenockwriters.co.uk/
Midlothian
Tyne and Esk Writers
Tyne and Esk Writers comprises of eight writing groups, with around 100 members in total, in Midlothian and East Lothian.
Website: http://tyneandeskwriters.org.uk/
Moray
Elgin Writers' Club
Meets on alternate Wednesday evenings usually in Elgin Library from March to December each year for those who wish to write for pleasure, and perhaps profit. Workshops, competitions, great chat and general support and encouragement to get writing!
Website: https://elginwriters.wordpress.com/
ForWORDS (The Forres Writing Group)
Meets every Tuesday evening, 7-9pm, in the boardroom of the Royal British Legion.
Na h-Eileanan Siar
Stornoway Writers' Circle
Every Tuesday from 7-9pm at An Lanntair, welcome to anyone over the age of 16. No need to book, just turn up.
Website: https://stornowaywriterscircle.uk/
Uist Writers Group
The Writing Group meets at Taigh Chearsabhagh, usually on the first Saturday of the month from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. It is a very informal, friendly group of people who want to write for many varied reasons.
Website: https://www.taigh-chearsabhagh.org/arts/poetry-literature/
North Ayrshire
Largs Writers
Largs Writers Group meet every Monday from 10a.m - 12 noon in Largs Library, Allanpark Street.
We are also affiliated with the local poetry group. "Poems & Pints" meet on the second Tuesday of every month, 7 - 9 p.m. in the Waterside Pub, Bath Street
Website: http://www.largswriters.co.uk/
Stevenston Creative Writing Group
A community group open to all engaging in a number of topics to explore creativity with words. The meetings are weekly - Friday (10-12) at Beattie Library and it is free to join in.
Website: https://scwg.weebly.com/
Email: lee.montgomery2002@gmail.com
North Lanarkshire
Airdrie Library
Join like-minded wordsmiths to share ideas, work in progress and receive useful tips. The classes are suitable regardless of whether it is the first time you have put pen to paper, or you have been scribing away for years.
Wednesday: 5.15pm – 6.45pm at Airdrie Library
Entry fee: £5.00/Concession £4.50
https://culturenl.co.uk/creative-writing-2/
Contact Caroline Loudon on 01236 856235
Bellshill Cultural Centre
Join like-minded wordsmiths to share ideas, work in progress and receive useful tips. The classes are suitable regardless of whether it is the first time you have put pen to paper, or you have been scribing away for years.
Wednesday: 1.00pm – 3.00pm at Bellshill Cultural Centre
Entry fee: £5.00/Concession £4.50
https://culturenl.co.uk/creative-writing-2/
Contact Caroline Loudon on 01236 856235
Orkney
Stromness Writing Group
We are an informal, friendly group of writers who meet fortnightly to share writing exercises and feedback. The meetings are usually from 6.30pm - 8.30pm on Tuesday evenings.
Perth and Kinross
Perthshire Writers
A writing group with regular events, including critique nights.
Soutar Writers' Group
The group reviews the draft work of its members and offers constructive criticism and support. Members may act as proof-readers for final drafts going to publication. Membership is by invitation only, please see website for details.
Renfrewshire
Erskine Writers
The group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30 - 3.30 pm at the Bargarran Community Centre. We welcome people who are interested to attend our meetings to see if we are what they require.
Scottish Borders
Borders Writers' Forum
A warm welcome to both established and beginner writers at 7pm every third Thursday of the month. See website for full details or email for up to date programme.
Website: http://www.borderswritersforum.org.uk/
Email: tony65parkinson@gmail.com
Kelso Writers Workshop
We're a group of writers in various genres and of varying experience who meet together in Kelso, in the Scottish Borders (Scotland). We aim to encourage new writers to publish and improve existing writers' writing.
Peebles Library Writing Group
First Monday of the month at 10:30am-12:30pm.
Shetland
Lerwick Writers' Group
Lerwick Writers Group meet on the first Tuesday of each month ( except January) at 7.00pm in the Mareel cinema and arts venue (meeting in the foyer beforehand). All forms of writing and levels of experience are welcome.
Unst Writers Group
Unst Writers Group meets once a month at Hamar, Baltasound, usually on a Wednesday evening. You can contact the group through the secretary, Gordon Thomson.
Stirling
The Novel Pool
The group meets fortnightly on Thursdays at the Macrobert Centre to discuss and critique submitted work.
Email: helenmwm@gmail.com
South Ayrshire
Ayr Writers Club
The group welcomes new and established writers. There are speakers, workshops and informal read around nights.
Website: http://ayrwritersclub.co.uk/
Troon Writers
We are a small group of enthusiasts who enjoy story writing and meet every second Thursday at Troon Library from 4.30 - 6.30 pm. Should you wish further information, please contact Troon Library on 01292 315352 or email.
Email: helenmwm@gmail.com
West Dunbartonshire
White Raven Writers
Meetings take place in Dumbarton Library every Thursday from 1 - 3. We welcome serious writers who are looking to improve their craft by engaging in constructive dialogue on members’ work.
Email: dianadevlin@ymail.com
West Lothian
West Lothian Writers
The group normally meet every second Tuesday to offer advice and support to each other.
Website: http://www.westlothianwriters.org.uk/
Email: WLWriters@gmail.com