Here it is at last! Another batch of the best of new writing from Aberdeenshire and beyond.

It's taken a while to put this issue together. The main problem has been that there is no longer a Writer in Residence for Aberdeenshire. To continue the magazine, the editing has had to be out-sourced, with the problems that can present. But far more important the writing scene in the northeast, despite the valiant efforts of certain individuals and groups, is not as vibrant or as 'joined-up' as it was when a Writer was in post. This lack of professional input and advice would appear to have led to a marked reduction in the number of prose submissions to the magazine. Could it be that developing writers feel more confident about offering a batch of poems for publication?

This is in contrast to the situation when there was a Resident, when many writers, with professional advice, encouragement and support, were exploring the possibilities of short story, drama and novel.

But there are short stories here-and very good ones at that. There is also a rich selection of poems, some rawer and less polished as a fledgling poet stretches his/her wings, others by well-established poets showing the beauty and grace of the form in full-flight.

Scotland has a worldwide reputation for quality literature. Our writers are a valuable economic and cultural asset. Investment in the development of up-and-coming writers by magazines such as this one — and by adequate provision of professional support through a cost-effective residency — is not an artsy luxury, it is essential to the spiritual and cultural health of the populace, and it is a sound economic investment in the local creative industries.

Magi Gibson, Editor

Cover:
Meeting, from
Beachwork Sequences, 2002
Jonathan Claxton