Andy Williamson
@andywilliamson.com
Writer, poet, creative thinker & architect for democracy / Sgrìobhadair, bàrd, neach-smaoineachaidh cruthachail agus ailtire airson deamocrasaidh | Aotearoa & Isle of Skye | urbanbadgercollective.com http://andywilliamson.com
Pinned
Andy Williamson
@andywilliamson.com
· Nov 14
Through salt-heavy seas
Through salt-heavy seas navigates the emotional geography of displacement and belonging, weaving together the coastlines of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and the mountains ...
www.lulu.com
Excited that my new #poetry collection, 'Through salt-heavy seas' is out! This book marks a milestone for me, so I'm delighted to see it in print! DM me if you'd like to review it!
Get it here: www.lulu.com/shop/andrew-...
#writingcommunity #poems #scottishpoetry #PublishingScotland #booksy
Get it here: www.lulu.com/shop/andrew-...
#writingcommunity #poems #scottishpoetry #PublishingScotland #booksy
Reposted by Andy Williamson
Did you bookmark this month’s Poetic Voice from The Book Bag? If you did you’ll know a new poem was added today from @thepaulconnolly.bsky.social
Read the article here: paulwritespoems.com/2026/02/01/t...
Read the article here: paulwritespoems.com/2026/02/01/t...
The Book Bag: Poetic Voices – February 2026
Welcome to the first poetic voice of 2026. February is a special month as I celebrate my birthday AND i get to share work from an incredible poet and man. I first encountered this Poetic Voice shar…
paulwritespoems.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Did you bookmark this month’s Poetic Voice from The Book Bag? If you did you’ll know a new poem was added today from @thepaulconnolly.bsky.social
Read the article here: paulwritespoems.com/2026/02/01/t...
Read the article here: paulwritespoems.com/2026/02/01/t...
Reposted by Andy Williamson
February 9, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Reposted by Andy Williamson
The work on making National Conversations about digital happen in the May elections is starting to heat up.
Working on prelection hustings on Digital Society and the Private Sector and Economy as well as a post-election event on the State and Public Sector
nationalconversations.org
Working on prelection hustings on Digital Society and the Private Sector and Economy as well as a post-election event on the State and Public Sector
nationalconversations.org
National Conversations
Help put digital technology at the heart of political life in Scotland and Wales.
nationalconversations.org
February 6, 2026 at 1:35 PM
The work on making National Conversations about digital happen in the May elections is starting to heat up.
Working on prelection hustings on Digital Society and the Private Sector and Economy as well as a post-election event on the State and Public Sector
nationalconversations.org
Working on prelection hustings on Digital Society and the Private Sector and Economy as well as a post-election event on the State and Public Sector
nationalconversations.org
I rather enjoyed writing this poem for #promptcombo #ecstasy between re-grouting the shower. Thanks @dragonslayerma.bsky.social, what a great start to the week! #poems #poetry
February 9, 2026 at 11:20 AM
I rather enjoyed writing this poem for #promptcombo #ecstasy between re-grouting the shower. Thanks @dragonslayerma.bsky.social, what a great start to the week! #poems #poetry
Reposted by Andy Williamson
For #PromptCombo this week, it's #ecstasy. Use the hastags & tag me to get involved. ❤️
This video of me reading my poem "My Man" is from a series of poetry videos Julie & I did during Covid.
@victoriaspires.bsky.social @hool415.bsky.social @thewombwellrainbow.bsky.social @rfsmith.bsky.social
This video of me reading my poem "My Man" is from a series of poetry videos Julie & I did during Covid.
@victoriaspires.bsky.social @hool415.bsky.social @thewombwellrainbow.bsky.social @rfsmith.bsky.social
February 9, 2026 at 7:59 AM
For #PromptCombo this week, it's #ecstasy. Use the hastags & tag me to get involved. ❤️
This video of me reading my poem "My Man" is from a series of poetry videos Julie & I did during Covid.
@victoriaspires.bsky.social @hool415.bsky.social @thewombwellrainbow.bsky.social @rfsmith.bsky.social
This video of me reading my poem "My Man" is from a series of poetry videos Julie & I did during Covid.
@victoriaspires.bsky.social @hool415.bsky.social @thewombwellrainbow.bsky.social @rfsmith.bsky.social
Lovely to wake up to Paul’s review of my new collection! Thanks @paulwritespoems.bsky.social
This week in The Book Bag we paddle 'Through Salt-Heavy Seas', a collection of poems on place by Andrew Williamson.
'A gem of a book packed with relatable, accessible poetry that can be returned to time and again.'
Plus the usual news, recap, and of course the playlist.
Take 5 and settle in...
'A gem of a book packed with relatable, accessible poetry that can be returned to time and again.'
Plus the usual news, recap, and of course the playlist.
Take 5 and settle in...
The Book Bag: Through Salt-Heavy Seas by Andrew Williamson
Welcome back to The Book Bag. I hope you’ve had a poetic week. This week has been a fairly quiet one with the bleary, grey weather. I did manage to get across to our allotment and look at the current progress of garlic and shallots, parsley and onions. They seem to be doing well despite the constant rain. At home we sowed some sweetpeas to start them off for spring. Also we harvested the last of the sprouts and used them to make a delicious slaw. I’ve been able to write, do some editing, I launched this month’s Poetic Voice, the excellent Paul Connolly.
paulwritespoems.com
February 8, 2026 at 8:53 AM
Lovely to wake up to Paul’s review of my new collection! Thanks @paulwritespoems.bsky.social
Reposted by Andy Williamson
Sorry to jump on the #poemsabout hashtag, but I am thinking of putting out a selection of poems on the theme of heresy on the #SixtyOdd #Poets page on Sunday Feb 15th to commemorate Galileo's 462nd Birthday. Anyone want to send me anything? (email in alt text)
February 6, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Sorry to jump on the #poemsabout hashtag, but I am thinking of putting out a selection of poems on the theme of heresy on the #SixtyOdd #Poets page on Sunday Feb 15th to commemorate Galileo's 462nd Birthday. Anyone want to send me anything? (email in alt text)
This week's #poemsabout #mouths just wasn't working, I almost gave it a swerve - until this popped into my head yesterday! Kōtare (Māori) is a watchtower around a pā (fort) but, more commonly, a kingfisher! Thanks @thebrokenspine.co.uk & @alanparrywriter.co.uk #poems #poetry
February 6, 2026 at 8:42 AM
This week's #poemsabout #mouths just wasn't working, I almost gave it a swerve - until this popped into my head yesterday! Kōtare (Māori) is a watchtower around a pā (fort) but, more commonly, a kingfisher! Thanks @thebrokenspine.co.uk & @alanparrywriter.co.uk #poems #poetry
Reposted by Andy Williamson
Here you can order a paperback of my new collection:
amzn.eu/d/0eShe3YJ
amzn.eu/d/0eShe3YJ
Hedgerow of Voices: Amazon.co.uk: Brookes, Paul: 9781068432378: Books
Buy Hedgerow of Voices by Brookes, Paul (ISBN: 9781068432378) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
amzn.eu
February 4, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Here you can order a paperback of my new collection:
amzn.eu/d/0eShe3YJ
amzn.eu/d/0eShe3YJ
What a fabulous #promptcombo this week - #tracks! Thanks @hool415.bsky.social! I went with the train and a memory that popped into my head - that small boy is now 26! #poems #poetry #scottishpoetry
February 2, 2026 at 11:35 AM
What a fabulous #promptcombo this week - #tracks! Thanks @hool415.bsky.social! I went with the train and a memory that popped into my head - that small boy is now 26! #poems #poetry #scottishpoetry
Reposted by Andy Williamson
It's here!!!
The return of The Book Bag: Poetic Voices series brings us a wonderful poet with an exceptional vigour and gravitas while performing their work.
Meet this month's Poetic Voice
#poetry #featuredpoet
The return of The Book Bag: Poetic Voices series brings us a wonderful poet with an exceptional vigour and gravitas while performing their work.
Meet this month's Poetic Voice
#poetry #featuredpoet
The Book Bag: Poetic Voices – February 2026
Welcome to the first poetic voice of 2026. February is a special month as I celebrate my birthday AND i get to share work from an incredible poet and man. I first encountered this Poetic Voice sharing his work on the weekly PoemsAbout prompts supplied Broken Spine on Bluesky, finding his poetry smart and accessible and full of wonderful phrasing and incredible language. Then I heard him read at an Open Mic and I was blown away with his performance, he performs with an vigour and gravitas and if you get the chance to hear him read his work, do take it - he often shares his recordings on social media.
paulwritespoems.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM
It's here!!!
The return of The Book Bag: Poetic Voices series brings us a wonderful poet with an exceptional vigour and gravitas while performing their work.
Meet this month's Poetic Voice
#poetry #featuredpoet
The return of The Book Bag: Poetic Voices series brings us a wonderful poet with an exceptional vigour and gravitas while performing their work.
Meet this month's Poetic Voice
#poetry #featuredpoet
Là Fhèill Brìghde…
February 1, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Là Fhèill Brìghde…
Reposted by Andy Williamson
Bluesky’s appeal for authors isn’t scale, it’s signal.
Fewer ads, fewer bots, more genuine conversation.
That environment rewards curiosity and consistency.
#WritingCommunity
Fewer ads, fewer bots, more genuine conversation.
That environment rewards curiosity and consistency.
#WritingCommunity
January 28, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Bluesky’s appeal for authors isn’t scale, it’s signal.
Fewer ads, fewer bots, more genuine conversation.
That environment rewards curiosity and consistency.
#WritingCommunity
Fewer ads, fewer bots, more genuine conversation.
That environment rewards curiosity and consistency.
#WritingCommunity
Reposted by Andy Williamson
#PoemsAbout #BlackVeils is live.
Write into concealment.
What you guard.
What you refuse to translate.
What survives because it stays covered.
Post from today.
Tag #PoemsAbout #BlackVeils to be read and shared.
Use Alt Text.
Take care with each other.
Write into concealment.
What you guard.
What you refuse to translate.
What survives because it stays covered.
Post from today.
Tag #PoemsAbout #BlackVeils to be read and shared.
Use Alt Text.
Take care with each other.
January 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM
#PoemsAbout #BlackVeils is live.
Write into concealment.
What you guard.
What you refuse to translate.
What survives because it stays covered.
Post from today.
Tag #PoemsAbout #BlackVeils to be read and shared.
Use Alt Text.
Take care with each other.
Write into concealment.
What you guard.
What you refuse to translate.
What survives because it stays covered.
Post from today.
Tag #PoemsAbout #BlackVeils to be read and shared.
Use Alt Text.
Take care with each other.
Good morning everyone, happy to share this draft poem with you for #poemsabout #blackveils. Another tricky prompt from @alanparrywriter.co.uk @thebrokenspine.co.uk! Look forward to reading others later!
#poems #poetry #scottishpoetry #scottishwriting
#poems #poetry #scottishpoetry #scottishwriting
January 30, 2026 at 9:06 AM
Good morning everyone, happy to share this draft poem with you for #poemsabout #blackveils. Another tricky prompt from @alanparrywriter.co.uk @thebrokenspine.co.uk! Look forward to reading others later!
#poems #poetry #scottishpoetry #scottishwriting
#poems #poetry #scottishpoetry #scottishwriting
Reposted by Andy Williamson
Final days.
Submissions close at the end of January.
Once the window shuts, that’s it.
If the poem is ready, send it.
#PoemsAbout #LiftToTheSky #WednesdayWIPs #SpineEdicts #PoetryCommunity #SubmissionWindow #OpenCall #Poetry
Submissions close at the end of January.
Once the window shuts, that’s it.
If the poem is ready, send it.
#PoemsAbout #LiftToTheSky #WednesdayWIPs #SpineEdicts #PoetryCommunity #SubmissionWindow #OpenCall #Poetry
Call for Submissions: Poetry That Remembers, Mourns, and Refuses to Let Go - The Broken Spine
Submissions Open Throughout January 2026 | Publication Later That Year
thebrokenspine.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Final days.
Submissions close at the end of January.
Once the window shuts, that’s it.
If the poem is ready, send it.
#PoemsAbout #LiftToTheSky #WednesdayWIPs #SpineEdicts #PoetryCommunity #SubmissionWindow #OpenCall #Poetry
Submissions close at the end of January.
Once the window shuts, that’s it.
If the poem is ready, send it.
#PoemsAbout #LiftToTheSky #WednesdayWIPs #SpineEdicts #PoetryCommunity #SubmissionWindow #OpenCall #Poetry
Reposted by Andy Williamson
This week's #promptcombo #moment took me back to a poem I wrote in 1998 and was part of my first collection in 2006 (eek)! Thanks @rfsmith.bsky.social for reminding me, it was nice to revisit it and St Kevin's Arcade back home in Auckland!
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity
January 26, 2026 at 10:12 AM
This week's #promptcombo #moment took me back to a poem I wrote in 1998 and was part of my first collection in 2006 (eek)! Thanks @rfsmith.bsky.social for reminding me, it was nice to revisit it and St Kevin's Arcade back home in Auckland!
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity
This week's #promptcombo #moment took me back to a poem I wrote in 1998 and was part of my first collection in 2006 (eek)! Thanks @rfsmith.bsky.social for reminding me, it was nice to revisit it and St Kevin's Arcade back home in Auckland!
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity
January 26, 2026 at 10:12 AM
This week's #promptcombo #moment took me back to a poem I wrote in 1998 and was part of my first collection in 2006 (eek)! Thanks @rfsmith.bsky.social for reminding me, it was nice to revisit it and St Kevin's Arcade back home in Auckland!
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity
What does it mean to belong across cultures, distances & generations? My new poetry collection, 'Through salt-heavy seas' maps the emotional geography of love, loss and displacement: www.lulu.com/shop/andrew-...
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity #BookSky #scottishpoetry
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity #BookSky #scottishpoetry
Through salt-heavy seas
Through salt-heavy seas navigates the emotional geography of displacement and belonging, weaving together the coastlines of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and the mountains ...
www.lulu.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:08 PM
What does it mean to belong across cultures, distances & generations? My new poetry collection, 'Through salt-heavy seas' maps the emotional geography of love, loss and displacement: www.lulu.com/shop/andrew-...
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity #BookSky #scottishpoetry
#poetry #poems #writingcommunity #BookSky #scottishpoetry
Pleased to have been able to contribute to IPSA's review of MPs salaries and funding, through their green paper, expert groups and by supporting their citizens' forum. More here... theipsa.org.uk/whats-democr...
What's Democracy Worth? | IPSA
IPSA regulates and administers MPs business expenses and staffing costs. We also decide the pay and pensions the UK's elected MPs and their staff.
theipsa.org.uk
January 19, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Pleased to have been able to contribute to IPSA's review of MPs salaries and funding, through their green paper, expert groups and by supporting their citizens' forum. More here... theipsa.org.uk/whats-democr...
A wee poem about what the land remembers (and we too often forget to hear) for #PromptCombo #subtext. Thanks @victoriaspires.bsky.social for a tricky prompt and apologies for not being brave enough to tackle the terza rima! #poems #poetry #writingcommunity #decolonisation
January 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM
A wee poem about what the land remembers (and we too often forget to hear) for #PromptCombo #subtext. Thanks @victoriaspires.bsky.social for a tricky prompt and apologies for not being brave enough to tackle the terza rima! #poems #poetry #writingcommunity #decolonisation
Reposted by Andy Williamson
Last week bent time.
This week: #FalseCrowns — borrowed authority, inherited power, praise that doesn’t fit.
Who crowned you?
Who benefits from you believing it?
New theme opens Friday.
Don’t post early.
Use Alt Text.
Tag #PoemsAbout to be found.
This week: #FalseCrowns — borrowed authority, inherited power, praise that doesn’t fit.
Who crowned you?
Who benefits from you believing it?
New theme opens Friday.
Don’t post early.
Use Alt Text.
Tag #PoemsAbout to be found.
January 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Last week bent time.
This week: #FalseCrowns — borrowed authority, inherited power, praise that doesn’t fit.
Who crowned you?
Who benefits from you believing it?
New theme opens Friday.
Don’t post early.
Use Alt Text.
Tag #PoemsAbout to be found.
This week: #FalseCrowns — borrowed authority, inherited power, praise that doesn’t fit.
Who crowned you?
Who benefits from you believing it?
New theme opens Friday.
Don’t post early.
Use Alt Text.
Tag #PoemsAbout to be found.
Reposted by Andy Williamson
Morning #PromptCombo crew. It's me hosting this week and the theme is #Subtext. This poem is a #terzarima and very much not in my usual style (written as an exercise with @noelcowley.bsky.social some while ago). You don't have to write one, though (I know how much @hool415.bsky.social hates form) 😁
January 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Morning #PromptCombo crew. It's me hosting this week and the theme is #Subtext. This poem is a #terzarima and very much not in my usual style (written as an exercise with @noelcowley.bsky.social some while ago). You don't have to write one, though (I know how much @hool415.bsky.social hates form) 😁
Teaghlach Canadianach nan uachdarain air Oighreachd Shlèite -
www.bbc.co.uk/naidheachdan...
www.bbc.co.uk/naidheachdan...
Teaghlach Canadianach nan uachdarain air Oighreachd Shlèite
Chaidh teaghlach Canadianach ainmeachadh mar uachdarain ùra Oighreachd Cheann a Deas Shlèite agus Caisteal Armadail sa Eilean Sgitheanach.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Teaghlach Canadianach nan uachdarain air Oighreachd Shlèite -
www.bbc.co.uk/naidheachdan...
www.bbc.co.uk/naidheachdan...
Reposted by Andy Williamson
Exciting news guys. Our Procedure Browsable Space (TM) now comes with a legislation lookup URL. Simply plug in the legislation.gov.uk URI of an Act and you'll get taken post haste to a list of instruments currently before Parliament enabled by that Act
api.parliament.uk/procedure-br...
api.parliament.uk/procedure-br...
Localism Act 2011 - work packages before Parliament
Work packages for instruments enabled by Localism Act 2011 currently before Parliament.
api.parliament.uk
January 16, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Exciting news guys. Our Procedure Browsable Space (TM) now comes with a legislation lookup URL. Simply plug in the legislation.gov.uk URI of an Act and you'll get taken post haste to a list of instruments currently before Parliament enabled by that Act
api.parliament.uk/procedure-br...
api.parliament.uk/procedure-br...