Edinburgh really is a fantastic city for poets. I’m sure this is also the case in neighbouring Glasgow… and further afield in Scotland.
This blog post focuses on Edinburgh specifically. I hope if you’re new to the poetry open mic scene and to creative writing you may find it helpful.
I’ve tried all of these apart from the ones I’ve marked as still to try!
I Am Loud Poets at the Storytelling Centre, Instagram @iamloudpro,
To sign up for open mic:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMN754c7CqU_pAQ93Y8VS2OSQ-jmEFoEksPeuAgI_TvnNKfA/viewform?
Drafted at the Canongate pub organised by Dean, Beth and Lloyd. Instagram @draftededinburgh https://www.instagram.com/draftededinburgh
Drafted Open Mic – Facebook Page Link
Typewronger is a small independent book shop that hosts regular events including open mic opportunities. instagram @typewronger https://www.instagram.com/typewronger
Shore Poets @shore_poets https://www.instagram.com/shore_poets
Readings by mainly Scottish poets on the last Sunday of every month. Please check the website (http://www.shorepoets.org.uk) for further information. Email at shorepoetsedinburgh@gmail.com
Alcove Edinburgh ( I haven’t been to yet,) is held at Strathmore pub in Leith on a Friday.
Instagram @thealcoveedin https://www.instagram.com/thealcoveedin
Sad Songs, at Sketchy Beats Cafe, (I haven’t been to yet,) Instagram @thesadsongclub. Tickets via Eventbrite.
https://www.instagram.com/thesadsongclub
Sad Song Club at Sketchy Beats Cafe – Facebook
Writing Groups
Living Writing at Leith Depot, organised by Anna. Tickets available via Eventbrite link. https://eventbrite.com/cc/living-writing-2026-4807033
A welcoming poetry writing group in Leith, prompts are provided by the host Anna. There are also occasional opportunities to read poems aloud.
Poetry group via Meetup
https://www.meetup.com/edinburgh-poets
There are many more!
If you would like to add any other ones to this blog post please comment below.
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 