Midlothian based poet, Mary Johnston, is the Scots Language Centre's latest poet in virtual residence. Mary takes over the poetry residency from Rab Wilson who has occupied the post for the last two years.

Born and raised in Aberdeenshire and after a career in education Mary began writing poetry, prose and translating various works from German to Scots. Her poems have been published in Northwards, Leopard, Lallans, Pushing Out The Boat, Storm, Quantum Leap and The Herald. She was short-listed for the McCash Poetry Prize 2004 and has won Diplomas for Excellence in The Scottish International Poetry Competitions 2001/02 and 2003/04. Her poetry draws on her experiences growing up in rural Aberdeenshire and is also influenced by her love of musical rhythms.

Mary Johnston's website.