A Celebration of Scottish Football, Scots Poetry, and Heritage

Join poet Hamish MacDonald and curator Aoife McKenna at Bridge of Allan Library for an inspiring blend of Scottish football history, poetry, and rare artifacts!

About A Celebration of Scottish Football, Scots Poetry, and Heritage

	5th March 2026
	6pm - 7pm
	Bridge of Allan Library Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan FK9 4AT
	This is a free event
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Listed Under Sport Events / History Events / Storytelling Events / Talks and Lectures Events

Join us for an evening exploring the rich history of football in Scotland.

Scots author and poet Hamish MacDonald will talking about and reading from his recent publication Square Baw—a Stramash o Scottish fitba poems- a collection of poems that intertwines family memory with the wider story of the Scottish game. Through verse, MacDonald reflects on themes of working class identity, heritage, and the enduring spirit of football, inspired by the life of his grandfather, William McKenzie Grant—a Queens Park and Hampden Park player, and a First World War soldier.

Adding a unique historical dimension, Aoife McKenna, curator at The Smith Art Gallery and Museum, will show a replica of the world’s oldest football (the original is on display at the museum). She will also bring along some other fascinating artefacts, offering a tangible connection to Scotland’s sporting past.

Whether you’re a football enthusiast, a lover of poetry, or simply curious about Scotland’s cultural heritage, this event promises an inspiring blend of literature, history and community.

Hamish MacDonald is a poet, playwright and novelist with work published, broadcast and performed in Scots and English. He has worked as a writer and presenter on historical and political documentaries for BBC Radio Scotland including ‘The Scot Who Stayed in Argentina’ telling the story of political intrigues at the 1978 FIFA World Cup. MacDonald was first Scots Scriever at the National Library of Scotland (2015-17). And as a performance poet he was Scottish Slam Poetry champion in 2022 and a semi-finalist at the World Poetry Slam, Rio de Janeiro in 2023.

Aoife McKenna is curator at The Smith Museum and Art Gallery, McKenna has also worked at the world’s southernmost museum in Port Lockroy, Antarctica.

To book a free ticket for this event contact Bridge of Allan Library on tel. 01786 833680 or email bridgeofallanlibrary@stirling.gov.uk

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A Celebration of Scottish Football, Scots Poetry, and Heritage

5th March 2026

Bridge of Allan Library, Bridge of Allan

Join poet Hamish MacDonald and curator Aoife McKenna at Bridge of Allan Library for an inspiring blend of Scottish football history, poetry, and rare artifacts!