Walking guide uncovers the city’s unexpected literary links.
Where: Aberdeen City Centre
Price: Free
Download: Free from Aberdeen City Council
You might know Aberdeen has produced its fair share of writers. Stuart MacBride, Sheena Blackhall, a whole amazing tradition of Doric poetry. But Bob Dylan? Cage the Elephant? Bram Stoker?
A new literature trail brings together Aberdeen’s surprising connections to the written word. Some are settings. Some are inspirations. The guide was researched and written by a Robert Gordon University student as part of their degree, which gives it a different feel from your typical council publication.
More than novels and poems
The trail takes a broad view of what counts as literature. Song lyrics sit alongside traditional poetry. Film gets a mention. It’s less about ticking off landmarks and more about noticing the city through the words people have used to describe it.
Doric poet Sheena Blackhall, who was at the Central Library launch this week, summed it up: “Dae ye think ye ken aathin aboot Aiberdeen? Think again!”
Where to find it
The guide is available as a free download from the council’s website. A limited number of printed copies are also at Central Library on Rosemount Viaduct.
