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Oor Big Braw Cosmos Book Week Events

Oor Big Braw Cosmos – A Blether about Astronomy and Poetry

The Science and Poetry of our Dark Skies

These free events are now scheduled for Friday the 20th of December. Astronomer Steve Gray will be standing in for the late John Brown.
The event is free and is on the 20th December from 2-3.30 pm at the Kirkcudbright Galleries. There will be a chance to have a chat and get your book signed afterwards

Galloway is known for its stars and the Dark Skies in Galloway can be looked at in different ways. You can appreciate them as a scientist or an artist or, of course, both!


This free event celebrates the combining of science and art that created. Oor Big Braw Cosmos – A Cocktail of Cosmic Science, Imagery & Poetry. Oor Big Braw Cosmos – A Cocktail of Cosmic Science, Imagery & Poetry. This book has been jointly written by the late John Brown, Astronomer Royal (and semi-pro magician) and Rab Wilson, Scriever in Residence for the National Trust for Scotland. 

Hosted by Biosphere Dark Sky Ranger, Elizabeth Tindal and with recorded clips of John reading from his book come and have a blether. Astronomer and friend of John Brown, Steve Gray will read extracts and chat about the science behind the cosmos. Rab Wilson will read some of his cosmic poetry and we will discuss the role of art and its connections to science.

This event is aimed primarily at an adult audience, although children will be welcomed. After all they are the scientists and artists of the future. There will be time for a chat and book signing after the event. 

A second free  family-friendly event and family-friendly event is being held at Glentrool, where the authors and Elizabeth will go out into the night to see the universe for real. There will be stargazing and readings from the book out in the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park.
Oor Big Braw Cosmos by John Brown and Rab Wilson and
Oor Big Braw Cosmos book cover
The event is free and is on the 20th December from 7-9pmpm at the Gelntrool Old School with a hot drink, chat and book signing afterwards.

Dark Skies and stars have always inspired scientists and artists. This free stargazing event will combine the best of both. Dark Sky Ranger, Elizabeth Tindal will lead a walk out into the dark of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park while poet, Rab Wilson and astronomer, Steve Gray will read from Oor Big Braw Cosmos.


There are many connections between science and art and we will celebrate a great one. Not many books that combine astronomy and poetry, but Oor Big Braw Cosmos – A Cocktail of Cosmic Science, Imagery & Poetry is one of them. This book was written by the late John Brown, Astronomer Royal (and semi-pro magician) and Rab Wilson, Scriever in Residence for the National Trust for Scotland.

Elizabeth Tindal, who is a Biosphere Dark Sky Ranger, will lead a stargazing walk into the darkness of the Galloway Forest, and will talk about darkness and stars and their stories, both scientific and mythical. John and Rab will read from the book and discuss their inspirations, creating a mix of science, poetry and the real universe all woven together.

After our walk outdoors, Elizabeth and the authors will invite you to join them in a hot drink and a snack at Glentrool Old School to continue the conversation. Oor Big Braw Cosmos will be available to be signed.

Please make sure that you dress up warmly for this event and wear outdoor footwear. If the weather is not suitable to be outside, we have an indoor venue available.

There is another chance to have a blether with Elizabeth, Rab and Steve and get your copy of Oor Big Braw Cosmos at Kirkcudbright Galleries during the afternoon.

both events are funded as part of Book Week Scotland
Book Week Scotland Logo
Book Week Scotland Logo
Elizabeth Tindal, Freelance Ranger
Providing bespoke, activities for you, your friends, family, community group or business. You can choose from a variety of activities including pond dipping, mud walks, home made rockets and stargazing. I'm here to help if you want an activity for your clients, something to do on holiday or a special celebration for your family.
 
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