Welcome to the Scottish Association of Writers' Web site.

The history of the Scottish Association of Writers goes back to 1967 when a writers’ club was founded in Greenock.

After a year working in isolation, members of the Greenock club had a desire to find out more about the opportunities for writers on the national scene.

The nearest principal writers’ conference, at the time, was that organised in Swanwick near Derby, where ‘Writers’ Retreats’ had been running since 1949.

Greenock representatives duly enrolled and attended and although they enjoyed the experience they felt that such a worthwhile concept could work in Scotland. So the acorn of the idea was planted.

Now in 2009 that idea has proved to have tenacious roots, for the Association has celebrated its Ruby Anniversary with a Conference held in Erskine Bridge Hotel, the 45th organised during its august history.

Margaret McConnell cutting the Ruby Anniversary Cake.

The constitution states that the "objectives of the Association are:

i. To promote and encourage the art and craft of writing in all its forms;

ii. To promote and run weekend schools and conferences for members;

iii. To promote and encourage participation in competitions in various forms of writing.

This commitment has certainly been honoured given the fact that the numbers at the annual weekend conference have trebled since 1970 and there are now 16 competitions as opposed to the initial two.

The number of clubs affiliated to the Scottish Association of Writers has risen from 5 to over 30.

This web site is currently developing its accessibility features and it will be replaced with a fully-functional version shortly.

Please feel free to look around and find out more about us whilst this update is in progress.

**Roll of Honour**