On the left, we see Gill dwarfed by what has been reported as the world's biggest, heaviest, most expensive book of poetry. Not only does Wigtown claim fame for this immense work of art, it is also home to the world's smallest book. Unfortunately, it was so small that we failed to photograph it. Sorry! :-)

The 'Muckle Buik' is based on Rab Wilson's Lallans Scots interpretation of

"The Ruba`iyat of Omar Khayyam".

On our right, we see one of the huge marquees that contained the thousands of books that were available for sale over the weekend.

'The Dangleberries' entertain locals and visitors with their unique blend ofScottish music.

(4 NYK representatives attended the festival, one agreed to be photographed and ALL got sunburned!)

The weekend got off to a slow start with many visitors arriving expecting the whole event to have kicked off on the 21st May. Officially, it did, but only as an official announcement with opening ceremony and 4 pipers before foodtime, so there were a few disappointed tourists who were unable to return next day when the actual event began. (They should have checked! Times WERE in the programme and on the website.) In general, everything appeared to be a success, although whether or not there were many people actually buying books will remain to be seen. We certainly managed to purchase a dozen items, including a couple of copies of Rab Wilson's new book and, yes, of course we got them signed! JJB managed to pick up an as new, signed copy of an Elaine C. Smith and Grace was ecstatic at hearing there was a Scots version of the Ruba'iyat of Omar Khayyam, hogging a front seat at the official launch and first in the queue for Rab Wilson's autograph! Honestly! The young ones of today!

If truth be told, (and it always is, here), the official launch venue of RW's book was a source of disappointment! Perhaps his publisher / publicist should have questioned the timing and location of this important first venture into the public eye. The 'launchpad' was situated at the foot of the stairs in the main foyer of Wigtown's County Buildings, not the worst of places, but it was scheduled during lunchtime! Rab Wilson did a terrific job of the readings and speeches but at times he was difficult to hear, despite the sound system and being sat only a few feet away from him. The shambles and noise was due, entirely, to the fact that lunch was being served upstairs throughout the 1pm til 2pm launch time, resulting in countless men, women and children clattering and chattering on stairways, showing a total disregard and lack of respect for anything going on around them. I apologise to those people who did realise that there was something going on and were decent enough to try to creep past unobtrusively; their embarrassed faces told all. I am sure the cameraman filming the event did an excellent job but it would certainly have disheartened many, having to perform the serious 'ceremony' of launching their book in the midst of such chaos. I can only suggest that the event organisers, publishers and publicists responsible should have thought a little longer before reducing such an important event in someone's life to a mere comedy sketch. Rab Wilson did a fine job of coping and, as a public speaker and reader of work he obviously enjoys, he did himself proud!

A wee bit mair aboot Rab o' the muckle buik!

Rab Wilson hails fae Sanquhar, where he bides wae his wife n faimly. He was introduced at the launch by Andrew Forster of Leadhills, who is the Literary Development Officer for the area, followed by a brief intro by his publishers, Luath Press. Don't quote me on this, but Rab's the same guy who penned 'Somerfield Checkout Counter', an amusing and enjoyable poem that was subsequently published in 'Markings', the Arts magazine edited by John Hudson. (If it wasn't him then I apologise profusely and must advise him that he has nearby competition within thum thur hills!) Like many of us here, Rab Wilson would love to become a fulltime, professional writer. With a whisper of the possibility of his being commissioned to produce a play, he is certainly heading in the right direction and, for now, he enjoys working within the field of psychiatric care. Unlike most of us, he has progressed far enough to survive an official book launch! Of this, he should surely be proud! RW, if you should happen to venture near here, be sure to visit oor wee writin' site 'n' leave yer poetic say-so on our messageboards, cheers!

We wish him every success with his future as a writer and hope to hear more about his play.

So... what is next on the literary agenda for NYK? Well, we eagerly await the annual literary festival in September, where we hope to see many talented writers. Names such as Joanne Harris (Chocolat), have already confirmed their appearance and our very own 'Now You Know!' special preview edition will be available this same week, with several of the NYK writers in attendance! DON'T MISS IT!

Don't forget the Wigtown Literary Festival - 23rd September - 2nd October 2005

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