SOME of the biggest names on the Scottish literary scene are to gather in Inverness tomorrow to celebrate the coming of age of a major writing centre.
Moniack Mhor, near Loch Ness, offers writing retreats for authors as well as awards and fellowships.
For more than 20 years it has worked with Arvon, formerly the literary Arvon Foundation, but now it will run independently.
Patrons of Moniack Mhor include Carol Ann Duffy, Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay, Val McDermid, Mairi Hedderwick and James Robertson.
Writers attending the launch of the centre as an independent concern will include Andrew Greig, Kevin MacNeil, Mairi Hedderwick and Jen Hadfield, as well as McDermid.
Next year's programme includes residential courses, weekend and one-day courses and events with writers and book industry professionals.
Tutors for 2015 include Scotland's Makar, Lochhead, and McDermid.
Rachel Humphries, the director of the centre, said: "Last month, the centre joined Creative Scotland's portfolio of regularly funded organisations. This move of independence will bring creative freedom of expression over the programme.
"This change will also provide more possibilities to work in partnership with other literature organisations, introduce more people to the writing process, and foster a vibrant community within Scotland."
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