Scottish PEN Information

We are the Scottish Centre of PEN International. We are committed to promoting literature and freedom of expression. International PEN was founded in 1921 in the aftermath of World War One, with the aim of promoting fellowship and co-operation between writers. Scottish PEN was founded six years later, initiated by Hugh MacDiarmid and supported by many of the leading writers of the time. Over the years PEN has evolved into a dynamic global organisation committed to campaigning for writers under threat and supporting cross-cultural exchange. Events are organised throughout the year in different parts of Scotland. Regular highlights include the annual Scottish PEN lecture at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the annual Naomi Mitchison Memorial Lecture at the University of Glasgow. Scottish PEN initiates projects and works with other Scottish literature organisations to promote writing and reading in Scotland. We are run by an executive committee which meets about six times a year. There are four main areas of activity: Writers in Prison, Writers in Exile, Women Writers, Writers for Peace. Keep up with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Scottish.PEN.Centre) and @ScottishPEN.