For me, writing stories set, well, wherever they're best set, is a form of cultural curiosity that is uniquely Scottish - we're famous for travelling in search of adventure.

The writing talent of Edinburgh is textured - we have poets, novelists, non-fiction writers, dramatists and more.

Many existing top 20 Scottish writers have flourished in part because of good turns done by institutions, arts community, libraries and bookshops.

One of Scotland's most important cultural exports - stories.

Scotland consistently produces world-class writers.

I'm proud of the culture I come from - we're a small country and a close-knit community.