To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, six academics from four different institutions will each present papers on some of the most prolific Scottish writers from that time.

Readings and discussions on the works of John Buchan, Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Robert Service, Ian Hay and Arthur Conan Doyle will take place at the conference, run by the Scottish Centre for War Studies, this Saturday September 11 at the Bute Hall at the University of Glasgow.

'The stimulating programme is aimed at appealing to both academics and the general public,' explains Dr Phillips O'Brien Director of the Scottish Centre for War Studies.

'Many know and love works by these Scottish writers but few are aware of the influence the world wars had on their lives' and writings. The talks will focus on how their wartime activities set in motion abiding themes in their lives and writings.'

'This will be combined with some basic biographical information and a straightforward description of the work discussed and the relevant wartime events.'

The six speakers, from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Napier and Oxford Universities, will each present a paper lasting about forty minutes, with further time for questions and discussion.

For full programme details please see: Centre for War Studies Website.

The public are welcome to attend. Please contact Ms Natasja de Bruijn at the Centre on 0141 330 2037 in advance.

The conference is part of a two-day Symposium . The second day concentrates on the Second World War and is hosted by the Centre for Second World War Studies. It will be held in Edinburgh in July 2005.

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For more information please contact Mike Findlay in the University of Glasgow on 0141 330-3535.

First published: 8 September 2004