14 May 2012

Raise a dram to the 'The Big Music'

The sound of bagpipes and the taste of whisky will accompany the launch of Professor Kirsty Gunn's latest book later this month.

As well as being an award-winning novelist Kirsty Gunn is Professor of Writing Practice and Study, and convenor of the Creative Writing programme at the University of Dundee. The launch of 'The Big Music' will be celebrated at an event at the University's Dalhousie Building on 24th May.

'The Big Music' tells the story of John Sutherland of 'The Grey House', a world-famous piper who has come to the end of his life and is writing one final tune that tells us the story of his family and history - one that is full of secrets and stories that up until now have always been kept closely guarded.

Professor Gunn will discuss her role at the University, and read extracts from the new book at the event, which will also see a screening of a short film made in association with the book take place. A dram or two and the sound of the pipes will help mark the occasion for guests and visitors.

Professor Gunn said, "I am delighted that my new book - that has taken seven long years to write, and a further year to prepare for publication - is being launched upon the world from Dundee.

"I have had so much support in my thinking and writing of this work of fiction, from colleagues and friends here, from writing students and from the creative community we have established here at Dundee. And this is a way of saying thank you for that. My publishers and agent are also thrilled and we're all looking forward to a great night!

'The Big Music' will be launched at the Dalhousie Building from 6-8pm on Thursday, 24th May. Whisky for this event has kindly been provided by Old Pulteney.

Free tickets for this event can be obtained from www.literarydundee.co.uk/events.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
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E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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