Poets' work to form basis of city literature collection

THREE Scottish poets have been commissioned to create a special collection of poems to bolster Edinburgh's reputation as the world's first city of literature.

The collection of seven poems written in traditional Japanese renga style is themed towards travel and hospitality and will be compiled by city-based poets Elspeth Murray, Richard Medrington and Andrew Philip.

Renga is a traditional Japanese form of poetry, dating back to the 8th century, which is created collaboratively by a group in one sitting, reflecting on seasons and surroundings. Each constituent verse must make sense independently.

The event, launched on 25 January, is hosted by the newly opened Ten Hill Place hotel, owned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

It is one of a series which will take place over the coming month to highlight the capital's importance in literary history.

Thousands of copies of Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped will be given away at various locations throughout the city.