A RENOWNED playwright, novelist and performer is running creative writing sessions in Barrhead.

Alan Bissett has agreed to lead the free workshops, supported by East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure (ERCL), at The Foundry every Monday night in May.

Following a similar initiative at Giffnock Library last month, the project aims to encourage local people to put pen to paper and outline their experience of the Covid pandemic as part of the Year of Stories 2022.

Lochwinnoch man Alan, who is the writer behind cult classic Boyracers, told the Barrhead News: “The run of sessions in Giffnock was hugely enjoyable, not only because discussing our creative writing in a supportive group setting is always liberating but also because it felt healthy for people to articulate and share their experiences of lockdown.

“It was very cathartic, so I hope budding writers in Barrhead come to The Foundry with their pens – and the key to their memory boxes – at the ready and we’ll see what comes out.”

The sessions take place from 7pm to 8.30pm, with refreshments and materials provided.

Scott Simpson, ERCL’s head of library and information services, is delighted that Alan, who won a Fringe First award in Edinburgh in 2017 for his play The Moira Monologues, is sharing his experience with Barrhead writers.

“We would like to extend our invitation for locals to come along and share their stories, develop skills and reflect on experiences in a group setting,” added Scott.

“As well as preserving the local Covid story, the writing gathered from this project will be the inspiration for a photographic exhibition which will travel around East Renfrewshire venues later this year.”

To book a place at the creative writing sessions, email libraries@ercultureandleisure.org.