Len Pennie, author of the British Book Award-winning collection of poetry poyums, has just received a lovely shout-out from The Scotsman for her spoken-word performance at Push the Boat Out 2025:

“While her strict adherence to rhythm and rhyme, and ready use of Scots, make her unusual in the poetry world, the poems she read, interspersed with interview with festival director Emma Collins, were funny, outspoken and tender.”

Read the full article here.

There isn’t a timescale for how you should heal
Your bad days are valid, your heartache is real
But so is the day that your smile will return
That fire within you continues to burn
You will overcome this and continue to thrive
You are here, you are loved, you are whole, you’re alive.

A formidable follow up to her award-winning debut poetry collection, Len Pennie’s poyums annaw is just like her: defiant, angry and trailblazing. These poems are a call to arms, confronting ideas of patriarchy, gender-based violence and societal injustice with equal parts tenderness, quick-wit and righteous fury. poyums annaw firmly cements Len as a defining voice in contemporary Scots poetry.

Len Pennie’s debut collection, poyums, is a Sunday Times bestseller. Grab your copy here or, better, via your local bookshop or Bookshop.org.

Don’t forget that signed editions of poyums annaw, Len’s sophomore collection, are available for pre-order now. Get one here and catch Len on her poyums annaw tour here.

Follow Len Pennie on TikTok @misspunnypennie and Bluesky @lenniesaurus.bsky.social.