Gerry Loose (1948-2024) was a well-respected poet with long connections to both Lapidus Scotland and Glasgow Botanic Gardens. As Poet-in-Residence at the Gardens, Gerry organised events and created poems for slates and stones.

Renga is a communal form of writing practised by Gerry, with roots in Japan. We plan to mark the four seasons with a renga at the Gardens. During this first event we'll visit each of Gerry's remaining poems and use them and their settings as prompts for writing.

Facilitated by Ken Cockburn and hosted by Sukhema Butler.

Please note this is a drop-in event. You're free to join us at any point, and to stay for as long as you'd like.

The event is free, but if you would like to contribute to its costs, please consider buying a 'donation' ticket. Suggested donation £10, or what you can afford.

Date: Sunday 25 May 2025, 11am - 3pm GMT+1
Location: Kibble Palace, Botanic Gardens, Glasgow G12 0UE
Cost: Free. Donations welcome.

Book your place via Eventbrite 

After this event, please join us in the Kibble Palace (South Wing) for a reading of the renga, and readings in memory of Gerry by poets including Graham Hartill. Further details and to book here 

Poetry Walks at the Edinburgh Fringe: Ken Cockburn will be leading poetry walks at the Edinburgh Fringe this year at 11.00 on Tuesdays, Friday and Sundays, 1-24 August 2025, meeting outside the Scottish Poetry Library. Further info and to book here.