At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and mentor in Gaelic writing, engaging with students and the community.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh's vibrant Celtic and Scottish Studies team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Gaelic literature while inspiring the next generation of writers.
- Qualifications: Fluency in Gaelic and a published writer with a strong reputation.
The predicted salary is between 34610 - 39906 £ per year.
UE06: £34,610.00 – £39,906.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata. College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences / School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures/ Celtic and Scottish Studies. Part Time – 14 Hours Per Week. Fixed Term Contract - 2 years Tenable from 1 September 2026.
Applications are invited for a part-time (0.4) post of Gaelic Writer in Residence based in the department of Celtic and Scottish Studies. The post is located within the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. Celtic and Scottish Studies is an exceptionally strong subject area with a commitment to developing links in creative writing between its students and professional writers. The University wishes to appoint a highly capable, energetic person who will fulfil and develop the University-wide role of Writer in Residence.
We are looking for a person who can develop and fulfil the role of Gaelic Writer in residence. You will be a published writer of poetry, prose fiction or drama with demonstrable ability to engage with a varied cohort of students of Gaelic and the wider Gaelic community. The appointment is for a fixed term of 2 years, starting in September 2026 and is not renewable. The post is restricted to a two-year period in order that students and the University benefit from the varied development activities, experiences and exposure to professional writers that the rolling 2-year writer-in-residence programme provides.
The Opportunity: Celtic and Scottish Studies is a leading centre for the study of Celtic languages. Many graduates of the University have made major contributions to Gaelic literature. Over the course of your tenure you will produce at least one major piece of creative writing, work with teaching staff to create materials supporting the delivery of Gaelic language teaching, organise workshops, readings and other public events, and manage and judge the department’s Gaelic writing prize for students. We will make available the sound recordings, visual material, manuscript holdings and other resources of the School of Scottish Studies Archives, the University’s library, which includes the Carmichael‑Watson and Professor Donald MacKinnon collections, as well as our holdings of Gaelic books, journals, pamphlets and other written material. The writer would also be encouraged to draw on the excellent Gaelic collections of the National Library of Scotland.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- Fluency in Gaelic
- Published writer of poetry, prose fiction or drama
- Established and recognised reputation for excellence among peers
- Demonstrable organisational and communication skills
- Knowledge of, and contacts in, local and national literary networks
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family‑friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBTQ equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Gaelic Writer-in-Residence: Creative Leader & Mentor employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers an inspiring and supportive environment for the Gaelic Writer-in-Residence role, fostering creativity and professional development within a vibrant academic community. With access to extensive literary resources and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, this position provides a unique opportunity to engage with students and contribute to the rich tapestry of Gaelic literature. Enjoy competitive benefits, flexible work options, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of Celtic and Scottish Studies.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gaelic Writer-in-Residence: Creative Leader & Mentor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow writers, students, and anyone in the Gaelic community. Attend events, workshops, and readings to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your work! Create an online portfolio or blog where you can share your poetry, prose, and any creative projects. This not only highlights your skills but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out to universities, literary organisations, and community groups to express your interest in writing roles. You never know when an opportunity might pop up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest opportunities listed, so make sure you check it out regularly. Tailor your applications to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Gaelic Writer-in-Residence.
We think you need these skills to ace Gaelic Writer-in-Residence: Creative Leader & Mentor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Make sure to include samples of your published work, whether it's poetry, prose, or drama. We want to see your unique voice and style, so pick pieces that really showcase your talent!
Connect with the Gaelic Community:Highlight any experience you have engaging with students or the wider Gaelic community. We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between academia and real-world writing, so let us know how you've done this before!
Be Organised and Communicative:Demonstrate your organisational skills in your application. Mention any workshops or events you've organised, and how you communicated effectively with participants. We love a candidate who can juggle multiple tasks while keeping everyone in the loop!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Gaelic
Make sure you brush up on your Gaelic language skills before the interview. Being fluent is a must for this role, so practice speaking and writing in Gaelic to showcase your proficiency.
✨Showcase Your Work
Bring along samples of your published work, whether it's poetry, prose, or drama. This will not only demonstrate your writing ability but also give the interviewers a taste of your style and creativity.
✨Engage with the Community
Be prepared to discuss how you plan to engage with students and the wider Gaelic community. Think about workshops, readings, and events you could organise, and share your ideas during the interview.
✨Network Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with local and national literary networks. Mention any contacts you have and how you can leverage these connections to benefit the university and its students.
