Brownsbank Cottage - Hugh McDiarmid::

Just a mile and a half out of Biggar is Brownsbank Cottage, formerly the home of the poet Hugh Mcdiarmid and his wife Valda from 1952 until their deaths in 1978 and 1989.

The cottage has been restored by Biggar Museum Trust to the way it was (aretefacts and books included) during their long stay.

The cottage is home to writer-in-residence Carl MacDougall, who is sponsored by the Scottish Arts Council and local authorities.

Aside from Hugh McDiarmid, past writers-in-residence have included award winning writer and publisher Matthew Fitt; and the first Scottish Parliament Writer in Residence James Robertson, author of Booker prize nominated 'The Testament of Gideon Mack'.