Writer-in-Residence University of Edinburgh

I am absolutely thrilled to have been appointed Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh.

Honoured to be joining an incredible roll call of authors who previously held the position, including Liz Lochead, Alan Warner, Jenni Fagan and most recently Michael Pedersen.

This role is all about enhancing creative writing for students across the university, offering workshops, talks and other support while introducing them to the wonders of literary Edinburgh.

The post runs over two years from 2025 to 2027.

This is a particularly special moment for me having been an undergraduate of the university, leaving without the degree I expected:

Mary Paulson-Ellis, said: “I am overjoyed to be the new Writer in Residence at Edinburgh University. I have a passion for writing and what it means to be an author today, with all its challenges and glories. So, I look forward immensely to sharing that experience with students, while introducing them to the rich and eclectic wonders of our literary city and beyond. As a former undergrad who left Edinburgh with a baby on her hip in place of an honours degree, my younger self is both amazed and proud right now.”

Thank you to staff and faculty at the School of Literature and Languages:

Suzanne Trill, Head of English and Scottish Literature at the University of Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted a writer of the calibre of Mary Paulson-Ellis is joining us. We are hugely looking forward to the energy and mentorship Mary will bring to our creative writing culture both within English and Scottish Literature and across the University.”

The University established the post of Writer in Residence in 1975, the first holder being the renowned Gaelic poet, and graduate of the University, Sorley Maclean.