WE live in a world where much is said. Rolling 24-hour news and countless social media platforms stream content to our computers, tablets and phones all day, all night.
The access we have to voices from around the world covering all angles of every debate helps open up issues like never before.
But amid the clamour, which voices are worth listening to, which are truly saying something?
Jackie Kay’s words are careful and considered and, through her strong body of work, have reached out to readers on a very personal level to make her one of our most popular writers.
The uniqueness of her perspective and accessibility of her poetry make her an ideal choice for a modern Makar, someone to champion the form with a freshness that attracts new eyes and ears.
Kay plans to use the role to help Scotland talk to itself and the world. Whatever she says, it is sure to be worth paying attention to.
New Makar Jackie Kay's vow to get Scots talking
Alan Riach: It is hard to imagine a better choice of Makar
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We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
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Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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