Poetry slams are often seen as the antithesis of many folks’ perception of poetry, given their (usually) fiercely competitive nature. So what will a Festival of Politics slam be like, especially one looking at ‘Scotland’s place in the world’?

Well this one seems to be based on some sort of realpolitik, given that it is not open to the caprices of the poetic proletariat’s participation, favouring instead the safe choice of four, already established, poets to set out their views in verse: Rachel Amey, Sophia Walker – winner of the BBC slam just a few days ago – Harry Giles, and Jim Monagahan.

Each poet will read two poems before the judging panel decides which two go on to the final, where they will determine the overall winner. Now what they should have had was Alex Salmond, Alastair Darling…

This showcase event is to be held, appropriately enough, in the Scottish Parliament Cafe Bar, Holyrood, Edinburgh on Sunday 25^th August, 5 – 6pm.

Now, in the interests of balance, can we please have some poetry news from a different part of the UK, rather than this soon-to-be-ex colony? Oh, and please, our Scottish friends, can we in the north of England leave with you?