Writer, Filmmaker, Mother, Grandmother
I'm delighted to say that my short story Keel, an abridged narrative drawn from my as yet unpublished novel of the same name, has been announced as the trophy winner of the Impsired Soundwaves writing competition. The story is about female friendship and male coercive control and I will be performing it at a showcase… Continue reading Short story winner!
The first Celtic history conference was held yesterday (Saturday 6th June) at Celtic Park. As one of the conference organisers we believe this is first conference of its kind of any single football club, so it was a day of making history.The conference itself went incredibly well, kicked off by former Celtic player Tosh McKinlay… Continue reading The inaugural Celtic history conference.
I made a documentary for BBC Radio 4. It's an autoethnographical piece, written and recorded on Rathlin Island, where my father was born, and where his remains now rest alongside my mother. The documentary is called The East Light. Here's the blurb: Margot McCuaig visits The East Light, a lighthouse on Rathlin which holds memories… Continue reading The East Light, BBC Radio 4
I'm thrilled to have been part of the organising committee for - "Win, lose or draw": The first conference on the history of Celtic FC. I'm also delighted to be speaking at the inaugural event this coming June. More about the day: 'Join us for an absorbing in-person event where we reflect and engage about… Continue reading “Win, lose or draw”: The first conference on the history of Celtic FC
Yesterday, the 26th of May, marked six months since my beautiful daddy died on the 26th of November 2024. It also marks six painfully long months since I caressed my fingers around his, his voice no longer even a whisper, his light fading. In the early hours of that morning, I kissed him goodbye, praying… Continue reading Yesterday, today and tomorrow.
When we were making the funeral arrangements for my dad's requiem mass and committal, Friday the 13th emerged as the first available date, but I didn't baulk at it. A date with such negative connotations was fitting. How could anything be positive on the day I would publicly say goodbye to my father? As it… Continue reading By God, the old man could handle a spade. Just like his old man.
It's been six months since we lost our mum. To the day. The 19th is a date that will sting for evermore. But although I say six months, it was longer in many ways. Jackie Kay, in Darling, writes: When smaller than her self,she seemed already to be leaving This line doesn't reference dementia, but… Continue reading “When smaller than her self”
I'm delighted to announce that Linen Press has signed my second novel, Almost Then, and will publish it in early 2021. Almost Then belongs to twin sister and brother Rathlin and Breacàn Doherty. Despite their closeness, the twins have carved out lives in isolation of one other, having reacted differently to the same childhood tragedy. They… Continue reading ‘Almost Then’ to be published in early 2021.
When I was a child, dolphins were a world away from us, despite our proximity to the sea. On Rathlin Island in County Antrim, Ireland, we were blessed with bods of seals and the occasional excitement of spotting the jet black sheen of a porpoise briefly appearing from the dazzling seawater. Dolphins, though, are now… Continue reading Swimming in #Rathlin’s cultural landscape
I'm delighted to be taking part in a few events over the next wee while. First up, on Thursday 31st of May, I'll be at home on Rathlin chairing an event with the acclaimed Irish novelist Bernie McGill as part of the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival. Bernie will be reading from her brilliant Rathlin Island based… Continue reading Summer chat, upcoming events.
Margot McCuaig 