Few may know that the renowned Scottish-American author and fashion designer, Douglas Stuart, studied textiles at the Heriot-Watt University School of Textiles and Design in Galashiels. After growing up in a housing estate in Glasgow and being told by a teacher that studying English would ‘not suit someone from his background,’ he decided to pursue a career in textiles.
At 24, Stuart moved to New York City and worked as a fashion designer while still feeding his love of English by writing his debut novel. Juggling 12-hour shifts as a senior design director, he completed his first book, “Shuggie Bain,” which received widespread acclaim.
“Shuggie Bain” won the prestigious 2020 Booker Prize and was a finalist for the esteemed National Book Award. The novel’s impact was recognised at the British Book Awards, winning the titles of Debut of the Year and overall Book of the Year.
In 2022, Douglas Stuart demonstrated his literary prowess again by releasing his highly anticipated second novel, “Young Mungo.”Â
Stuart fondly recalls his time in Galashiels, describing it as an amazing, comforting, and supportive place, reflecting on his four years studying textiles.
Sources:Â Shuggie Bain author Douglas Stuart: Why I love Galashiels and Douglas Stuart – BiographyÂ
Image:Â Shuggie Bain author Douglas Stuart: Why I love Galashiels
