Two of Scotland’s leading contemporary poets are making guest appearances at a special St Andrew’s Day reading in Glasgow this month.

William Bonar and Tom Leonard are headlining a night of Scottish poetry and song on behalf of the Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA).

“We are extremely lucky to have two of the country’s best known poets leading the readings at our fundraiser, it will be great celebration of Scottish prose and a fitting celebration for St Andrew’s Day,” said SHA fundraiser and event organiser, Sally Brewer.

The SHA is the only charity in the country supporting families living with the degenerative brain condition Huntington’s disease (HD).

HD is a hereditary progressive condition that causes changes to muscle control, thinking processes and may cause long-term mental health issues. The average age of onset is between 33 and 45 and those living with the condition will require 24 hour care as it progresses into its later stages and. It is also hereditary with each child of someone diagnosed with HD is at 50% risk of developing the condition themselves. There is currently no cure.

There are estimated to be 1,100 people in Scotland living with the condition but as many as 5,000 could be potentially at risk.

William was born in Greenock and started creative writing after a career in teaching he has had poems published in newspapers, magazines, anthologies and broadcast on radio. Glasgow born Tom Leonard is best known for poetry written in the urban speech of the city of his birth and his poetry has had a major impact on attitudes to language and writing in Scotland, and beyond.

As well as wine, poetry and song there will be a bake sale and raffle to help the SHA’s fundraising efforts.

“Every penny raised will go towards supporting the work we do to help improve the quality of life of families living with HD, so I would urge people if they have love of poetry to come along, it promises to be a great night,” said Sally.

The event is taking place at 7pm, November 29 in Wellington Church, 77 Southpark Avenue, tickets £10, contact sally.brewer@hdscotland.org