Curtain Raiser: Launch of the National Library's Centenary Celebrations

National Librarian Amina Shah will share highlights of the year ahead as we celebrate our 100th birthday, providing an exclusive insight of what's to come throughout 2025.

Amina will sit down with special guests Damian Barr and Val McDermid to discuss their love of libraries and why they are proud champions of the National Library of Scotland.

This will be followed by a drinks reception, accompanied by a playlist from the past 100 years by guest DJ for the evening Gemma Cairney. There will be opportunity to see new displays about the Library's history.

About the special guests  

Amina Shah FRSE is the National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland. She has more than 25 years' experience across the library and cultural sector.

Damian Barr is an award-winning writer and broadcaster. His new novel, The Two Roberts, is out in 2025. He is the author of the 2013 memoir 'Maggie & Me' and the 2019 novel 'You Will Be Safe Here'.  A Radio 4 regular, he hosts 'The Big Scottish Book Club' for BBC Scotland. 

Val McDermid is a celebrated Scottish crime writer. Her best-selling works include the 'Wire in the Blood' series and 'Karen Pirie' series, both of which have been adapted for television. In addition to her crime writing, she has also written several award-winning standalone novels, books of non-fiction, short story collections and a children's picture book.

Gemma Cairney is an award winning broadcaster and writer. She is widely known for presenting hit BBC radio shows across various BBC channels. Gemma is a published author with a series of non-fiction titles for teenagers. Her newest work, 'The Immortal Sisterhood', will be staged as a performance and published as a book across 2025 and 2026.

Tickets

Supporter ticket: £12

Standard ticket: £8

Low-income ticket: £4