With an international reputation as a prize-winning novelist, Ron Butlin is also Edinburgh's Makar (Poet Laureate).

In addition, Ron Butlin is a most engaging and entertaining speaker. He says, 'Imagine my surprise when, one cold winter's morning, I was phoned up out of the blue and asked if I would accept the post of Edinburgh Makar (Poet Laureate). Would I? I was gobsmacked - and delighted! A real honour. The work is varied - everything from writing occasional poems, attending receptions, being auctioned for charity (incredibly, twice I twice went for more than £500!) . . . to giving the occasional speech at public events.'

As well as speaking at various clubs, societies and institutions (Arts & Business, National Skills Academy, RLS Society, the Edinburgh Lord Provost's Burns etc.) Ron has addressed conferences in Britain  and abroad (for the British Council and others). He has spoken from the pulpit at St Giles' Cathedral (not a sermon!), at the House of Lords, and from a prison cage outside the Scottish Parliament.

Combining wit and seriousness, he talks of his many and varied experiences. When he speaks about creativity and the power of our imagination, he has often been called 'truly inspirational'.

After leaving school at sixteen and  hitchhiking from the Scottish Borders down to London,  Ron became a valet-footman, then a barnacle scraper on Thames barges, lyricist for a justly forgotten band (two records and a B-film), and a male model. Since retiring aged 25, he has been a full-time writer, journalist and occasional broadcaster (twice featuring on BBC Radio 4's Pick of the Week).  His only real job is a delight - he shares his enthusiasm for classical music with students at Edinburgh University's OLL.

Besides his radio plays, much of his work has been broadcast in Britain and abroad. His fiction and poetry have been translated into over ten languages.  His novel, The Sound of My Voice, is listed on the Guardian's '1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (between Samuel Butler and Albert Camus!) and has won prizes abroad, in the Best Foreign Novel category.

A frequent performer at festivals. His show, with musicians, has run for the last three years on the Edinburgh Fringe. 'The whole performance was magical, witty and a tribute to the poetic genius of Butlin . . . spellbound audience . . . A truly wonderful experience . . . this production is a must.' ***** 5 Star Review  Stephen O'Rourke, FringeReview.com

Ron is delighted to talk about his unusual route to becoming a writer, about being Edinburgh's Poet Laureate, using our imagination as motivation, classical composers and their music. Equally happy to speak to small groups or large audiences, Ron will also take a brief and tailor his talk to whatever is required.

When not on tour at festivals and book launches, Ron enjoys life in Edinburgh with his wife, the writer Regi Claire, and their golden retriever.