Greenfaulds pupils receive a special visit from author

Kirkland, who is currently promoting his second novel Endless Empress, said: “The school librarian organised the entire event.

“Her name is Angela Pusram and she’s brilliant, just like all school librarians. I have never met a school librarian I dislike.

“When I read about politicians trying to cut school library services, it makes me feel like I felt on the day Kurt Cobain died, or nearly as bad...the day Cadbury’s decided to stop making Creme Eggs with Dairy Milk Chocolate.

“I think we need more unemployed politicians in the world, not unemployed librarians.

“Angela contacted me last year after hearing all about me, and being one of the Cumbernauld High School heroes, I was terrified Greenfaulds would reject my amazingness. It was a brilliant event.

“The pupils entered into the theatre early and tired, and soon woke up once I worked out how to use the microphone.

“I hope they enjoyed the gig and enjoy my books.”

School librarian Angela Pusram added: “I worked with principal teacher of English Gayle Cameron to organise this event to target S3 readers .

“Kirkland’s writing appeals to that age group, and we are hoping to re-introduce some of them to the library, its purpose and its role in promoting reading.

“Kirkland really delivered on Monday, giving a notable performance to perhaps a larger audience than he’s used to in our school theatre.

“The feedback that I’ve had from teachers and pupils has been more than positive, some commented on his ‘brilliant speaking’ and his ‘fantastic performance’, as well as his ability to engage pupils.

“In fact, Kirkland told me he now has several new followers on Twitter and other social media so that is testament to how influential he actually was.

“He also managed to sell a number of his books, including his new publication “Endless Empress”.

“I’ve invited Kirkland to visit a smaller, younger audience next time in the Library Resource Centre to talk to them about creative writing.

“We very much enjoyed Kirkland’s visit and I hope to be able to accommodate more events such as these: they really do have an impact on pupils’ experiences.”

Kirkland is also organising Scotland’s first ever young adult literature festival.

The Yay!YA festival, at Cumbernauld Theatre on April 24, is a free event for school pupils.

Several authors will participate in the festival, giving book signings and talks on their works, and if this first event proves a success future iterations will be open to the public.

The festival is jointly funded by Cumbernauld Theatre and by North Lanarkshire Council after Kirkland approached both for grants.

Catherine MacPhail, Theresa Breslin, Lari Don, Roy Gill and Alex Nye are among the authors to have confirmed their attendance and Kilsyth-based Scotia Books will sell young adult titles at the event.