The Scottish Publishers Association (SPA) were warmly welcomed as country of honour with the Irish and Welsh at this year's (and tenth anniversary) Book World Prague from 6 - 9 May 2004.  

Sponsored by the Scottish Arts Council (together with the Welsh and Irish Arts Councils) the three countries sponsored the joint "Celtic Countries" stand.

The Scottish presence - 22 Scottish publishers sent 200 titles for display, and five attending Scottish publishers, with six Scottish authors holding readings or events. This programme was in association with the British Council's Showcasing Scotland programme.

Czech visitors came to the stand in large numbers. Fascinated by our devolved Parliament and intrigued by our three languages - English, Scots and Gaelic, the SPA were inundated by local folk for books and stories of contemporary life in Scotland.

The question and issue of identity stimulated debate, and was addressed at a formal level by attending Scottish writers Neal Ascherson, Louise Welsh, Ron Butlin, Kirsty Gunn and Matthew Fitt.

The bookstand had a visit from the National Library of the Czech Republic, and the Head of the Czech Parliament.

Attendance at the event developed important links between Scottish publishers and Czech book distributors and booksellers.  With the assistance of the British Council the SPA will be able to maintain these valuable contacts.

The focus on Scotland, Ireland and Wales was strong and was an excellent way to introduce a new European Union member to books and writers from these countries, at a time when they were particularly receptive.

Liz Small, Member Services and Marketing Manager, Scottish Publishers Association