Two Closes and a Referendum

Mary McCabe is a political activist, writer, playwright and poet from Glasgow. Her work is written in Scots, English and Gaelic. A political campaigner since her schooldays, she has decades of experience in door-to-door canvassing, attending demonstrations in Scotland and abroad, and proposing progressive change. She is now retired from her day job as researcher and editor with Glasgow City Council. Her fictionalised account of scandals in her own family tree, `Stirring the Dust' (2012), written in English, Doric and Glaswegian, was named `Paperback of the Week' in The Herald. Her work also includes the novel `Everwinding Times' (1994) and an illustrated book `Street Schemes and Stages' (1991), about cultural projects. She is active in the writers' political organisation International PEN.

'Summons up the magic and pace of the political contest in 2014. If you enjoyed the fight, or even if you missed it, this is the book for you.' - Dr Elspeth King, writer and curator, director of Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum. /// 'Demonstrates an acute ear for dialogue, and a lug tuned perfectly to the speech of Glasgow in the 21st century wi gleg observations on a wheen Glesga fowk. . . . a poignant recollection of a dramatic year in her city's history - one which united and divided its people ... compelling narrative of a populace desperately wanting hope to triumph over fear. The author has a lifetime of political activism to draw from . . . We ken whit side the author wis on, but that disnae stop her embracing the great humanity of the multitude of kenspeckle characters inhabiting her city.' - Billy Kay, author of `Scots: The Mither Tongue'. /// 'Mary's characters talk the way me and my friends do, invoking memories and emotions. Our independence referendum brought passion, joy and heartache: Mary McCabe tells that story.' - Linda Fabiani, former Minister of Culture in the Scottish Government.