As the Eden Court Theatre prepares to stage events from the nationwide Puppet Animation Festival for the first time, the festival’s director SIMON HART, fills in the background to an event that has, like Topsy, just growed and growed.

CHOMAN HARDI is the first poet in residence at the Moniack Mhor Writer’s Centre. JOHN BURNS profiles the poet and her role within the new developments taking place at the centre.

The Arts Journal catches up with the great Irish fiddle player KEVIN BURKE as he makes a rare solo appearance in Beauly.

KENNY MATHIESON discusses the origins and musical philosophy behind the unorthodox chamber music group Mr McFall’s Chamber with violinist ROBERT McFALL as the Edinburgh-based group prepare to visit Lerwick with a new project.

CATRIONA PAUL looks ahead to the 25th Celtic Film and Television Festival in Dundee.

PETER URPETH talks to Skye-based poet RODY GORMAN about the publication of an important new anthology of Gaelic poetry, his own work, and the state of Gàidhlig and Gaelige poetry.

Lewis band SIGN RED have been grabbing the headlines for their enduring popularity with the listeners of Radio 1’s Vic and Gill show, and are heading into a third week at the top of that show’s Battle of the Demo Bands. PETER URPETH catches up with them in Stornoway and finds a band determined to enjoy and build on their recent success from their home shores.

The Arts Journal profiles BLAZIN’ FIDDLES, a major force on the Scottish folk scene.

Venue profile: An Lanntair, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

ROBERT DAVIDSON is a published writer and an editor who draws on his experience on both sides of the fence in this survey of how to get your poetry published. The paper was originally delivered at the StAnza Poetry Festival in St Andrews.