The Society dates back to an inaugural meeting in Kirkcudbright, held at St Cuthbert’s Free Church Hall on 8 November, 1910, and was known as ‘The Kirkcudbright Literary & Debating Society’. The local Provost and Sheriff were elected as Honorary Presidents.
In later years the Society became known as ‘The Kirkcudbright Literary Society’, and functioned until the Covid-19 restrictions were put in place in March 2020. Until then Programmes mainly consisted of local speakers, who were generous enough to give their expertise either free, or in receipt of expenses, to support the Society.
The Society was re-launched in June 2022 and became known as ‘The Stewartry Literary Society’, with the purpose of providing a literary focus for members in the local area, and also further afield across the Stewartry.
During 2023 the Society successfully registered with the Scottish Book Trust (SBT), thus giving access to the Live Literature ‘Author Directory’. Importantly, we are able to apply for funding support for Speakers’ fees and travel expenses – for those enrolled on the SBT’s Author Directory. We are committed to paying Speakers a fair fee in line with the SBT’s benchmark.
Therefore 2023 – ‘24 saw the second season of the re-generated Stewartry Literary Society thrive, and further develop from its successful re-invention – post pandemic – with a number of exciting initiatives (including an Annual Essay Award for Secondary Schools), and another first-class Programme, full of variety and appeal. A glance at the list of Speakers reveals an impressive range of high-profile authors and lecturers, and a broad range of subjects, all presented by experts in their field.
The Society is indebted to The Galloway Association of Glasgow for their generous help in funding this Website and other marketing material. The Society is a member of the Alliance of Literary Societies, a UK-wide organisation.
