About Luath Press Ltd

Luath Press, named after Robert Burns' beloved collie, Luath, who played a pivotal role in his romance with Jean Armour, is rooted in Scotland’s literary heritage. Initially founded in 1981 by Tom and Rene Atkinson in Barr, Ayrshire, Luath Press began with the publication of the Luath Guide Series, created to fill a gap in descriptive guides to Scottish regions. The press quickly expanded, publishing works by various authors, some of which, like 'Mountain Days and Bothy Nights', have remained in print for years. Tom Atkinson's diverse experiences—from attempting to join the International Brigade during the Spanish Civil War to serving in the RAF during WWII and playing a key role in Indonesia’s independence—shaped Luath Press with a unique perspective. After Tom’s retirement in 1997, Gavin and Audrey MacDougall took over, relocating the press to Edinburgh, close to Burns’ first lodgings. Under their stewardship, Luath Press has continued to flourish, publishing works in English, Scots and Gaelic across genres like politics, history, humour, fiction and poetry. The press remains committed to bringing strong, diverse voices to the forefront, offering distinctive writing that promises unexpected pleasures. Luath Press has maintained its core belief in publishing well-written books worth reading, continually reaching new heights in the literary world.Read their story