Val McDermid joins young people of Scotland for time capsule

Scottish Book Trust’s patron and award-winning author Val McDermid has joined young people of Scotland to contribute to a time capsule for Book Week Scotland.

Article Source: Scottish Book Trust
Last Updated: 30 October 2020 13:00

See You in 10 Years: Val McDermid joins young people of Scotland for time capsule

Scottish Book Trust’s patron and award-winning author Val McDermid has joined young people of Scotland to contribute to a time capsule for Book Week Scotland. The project, called ‘See You in 10 Years,’ is a partnership between the charity and the National Library of Scotland, who will store the time capsule for 10 years before it is opened in 2030.

Fitting with the theme of Future for Book Week Scotland, Val McDermid reflects the time of “fear and chaos” in 2020. The first piece of the author’s work will be published in the Future book, a free publication: 50,000 copies will be distributed to libraries, community groups and schools across the country. The second part of McDermid’s piece will be locked in the time capsule and revealed in 2030.

Six young writers will also be included in the time capsule, selected by a panel including Scottish Book Trust staff. They will have the opportunity to showcase their work to families and friends alongside Val McDermid during a private celebration. On Friday 20 October, a film documenting the creation of the time capsule will premiere on YouTube.

The young people included in the time capsule are: Skye, 16 from Glasgow; Keir, 17 from Falkirk; Emily, 17 from Falkirk; Reilly, 13 from Kinross; Robecca, 18 from North Ayrshire and Hannah, 17 from Sutherland.

Artist Ali Forbes from Glasgow was commissioned to create the time capsule. A jewellery design graduate of the Royal College of Art and Central Saint Martins, London, Ali first discovered jewellery making and design when she participated in an HND course at Cardonald College.

Book Week Scotland is the country’s biggest celebration of reading and writing and it returns for its ninth year from Monday 16 November to Sunday 22 November. Although there will be no physical events this year, the Digital Festival has a stellar line-up including award-winning author Denise Mina; actor and comedian Ruby Wax; bestselling crime writer Louise Welsh and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Val McDermid, author and patron of Scottish Book Trust said:
“Of course, digital media offers platforms where young writers can showcase their work. But digital media is fast-moving and often temporary. It's vital that we find more long-lasting ways to capture writing that addresses the future as well as the here and now, and See You In Ten Years does just that.”

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “2020 has been an uncertain year, and there’s no better way to document it than with a time capsule. We’re grateful to our patron Val McDermid for including a piece of work for See You in 10 Years, and to National Library of Scotland for safeguarding the capsule. We look forward to 2030, when the writing of the young people will be revealed.”

Martha Burns Findlay, Head of Public Programmes at National Library of Scotland said: “The National Library of Scotland is a repository of Scotland’s memories which we preserve for current and future generations. We are therefore delighted to host Scottish Book Trust’s time capsule for a 10-year period within our stores, safeguarding the capsule until it is re-opened and its contents revealed in 2030. We are equally delighted to be supporting new Scottish writing which will provide a unique glimpse into the world of 2020 through the eyes of young writers in 10 years’ time.”

Artist Ali Forbes said: “I applied to the See You in 10 Years project because the brief really captured my imagination: it immediately seemed like a very magical project to be part of. The subject matter really resonated as it feels like we are currently living in a very significant time historically: learning to live with a global pandemic which has no current end in sight. I am thrilled to be involved, not only because it is the first project I am undertaking in Scotland since moving back to Glasgow in July, but also because it gives me the chance to create a beautiful and intriguing object.”

The Book Week Scotland 2020 programme is available to view Here.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

Work to start on six play parks across Renfrewshire

Investment in Renfrewshire's play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks.

Unique approach of Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of young people in Paisley

The unique legacy of globally-renowned Paisley designer and artist Dr Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of creative talent, her proud home community says.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Winter Connections programme returns to support communities across Renfrewshire

A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

New civic plaza and events space to be created in Erskine

A new civic plaza, garden and events space will be created in Erskine to provide a focal point for the local community.

Braehead Shopping Centre announces partnership to support local community

The partnership is calling on the local community to donate new children's pyjamas, ensuring every child in Renfrewshire has something cosy to unwrap this Christmas.

Erskine lights up for Christmas

Erskine's Christmas lights have been switched on for 2025 with locals turning out to enjoy the occasion!

Johnstone shines bright this festive season

Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

A celebration of Art Deco to open at The Art Department Paisley

Deco 2025, an exhibition celebrating the decorative arts, will take place in The Art Department's new home from Tuesday 2nd December until Saturday 20th December.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Renfrew lights up for Christmas

Crowds turned out in Renfrew town centre on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2025!

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

New active play facility to be created in Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley

Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.

Renfrewshire tourist spot set to benefit from investment

A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Renfrewshire towns to light up for Christmas

Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.

Thousands turn out for the annual Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On event

Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Can you give a pair of PJs this Christmas

Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.