During this inaugural literacy Lecture Series talk, 'Blessings May Break From Stone: The Art and Faith of George Mackay Brown', Ms Fergusson took us on a captivating journey exploring a life both blessed and broken, where we discovered how George Mackay Brown, despite rarely leaving his native Orkney, led a vivid and courageous life.

Using images of the Orkney Island of Stromness, Ms Fergusson engaged the audience, recounting how the island was a mediator for his imagination and offered glimpses into some of the many facets of his personality through his many letters and conversations with his wide acquaintance.

As his friend, Maggie Fergusson is the only biographer to whom George Mackay Brown reluctantly gave his blessing, allowing her to convey a candid portrayal of his life.

Speaking of her visit to the school, Ms Fergusson stated:

It was a delight to visit St Benedict's last week, and to be welcomed so warmly into what felt like a really happy, flourishing school. And though Orkney is some 700 miles north of London, I felt that the pupils made a real effort to travel to the islands in their imaginations, and to meet their poet, George Mackay Brown. 

Several of our Year 12 students attending the talk commented:

"Maggie spoke in such a compelling and engaging way; instantly I was drawn into the magic of Orkney, and now I’m desperate to visit! ‘ - Alice M 

"I was captivated by the way Maggie was able to express the persona and life of George. Understanding that he was battling depression whilst acting as a rock for those around him whilst maintaining courtesy also showed the impact and uniqueness he held." - Bel D

"Maggie’s engaging tone whilst describing George’s life was truly mesmerising. Despite George’s battle with depression, he continued to express his love for poetry, which was inspirational, especially hearing the poem he wrote for those mourning parents who lost their son to suicide." - Blu S

"The poetry read out to the backdrop of images of Orkney was incredibly immersive and beautiful, completely captivating me: a sensory experience." - Charlotte G

The audience, comprising pupils, parents and staff, left the talk inspired to read both Ms Fergusson’s award-winning biography as well as George Mackay Brown’s work.

Maggie Fergusson is the Deputy Editor and Literary Editor of The Tablet. Her biography of George Mackay Brown won the Marsh Biography Prize, the Saltire First Book Prize and the Scottish Arts Council Prize, and was the Yorkshire Post Book of the Year in 2006.