Scallywag Press signs reimagining of Robert Burns poem from Simon Lamb

Scallywag Press has signed poet Simon Lamb’s second book, Mat o’ Shanter: A Cautionary Tale, written in response to the Robert Burns poem, "Tam o’ Shanter". 

Publisher Sarah Pakenham acquired world rights directly from the author. Mat o’ Shanter will be published in hardback in autumn 2025. 

Illustrated with "bold and energetic" spreads by Scottish muralist Ross MacRae, the book includes an introduction to Burns’ original poem and a modern-day reimagining of the same poem. It will also be published with an extensive author’s note. "After watching Simon perform his epic reworking of the tale, it was hard to say no," said MacRae. "His words immediately began to conjure up imagery and inspiration, fuelling a drive to start sketching straight away. The connection I felt to this project was instant."

Lamb, current writer-in-residence at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, commented: "While such a statement sounds extravagant, ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ is the poem that changed my life. Mat o’ Shanter is both a spiritual sequel, a redux, and something entirely all its own, for the ears and eyes and hearts of today." 

Pakenham added: “Simon’s role as Scriever of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, combined with his experience of teaching young people about poetry, makes him the perfect poet not only to reimagine and rewrite the Burns classic but to inspire a new generation to appreciate it."