Dr Gabrielle Barnby

Gabrielle Barnby is an author and creative practitioner based in Orkney, Scotland. She writes novels, short stories, poetry and reviews, often exploring transformation, memory, longing and the landscapes and communities of island life.

Her books include Archipelago, a novel moving between Orkney and Oxford; Across the Silent Sea, about a woman rebuilding her life after a serious accident; and The Oystercatcher Girl. Her publications also include The Night Watcher and Other Stories, a collection of short fiction, and poetry collections such as On a Bright Breeze, Wayfarers and Peace-Land.

Alongside publishing her own work, Barnby encourages creativity through workshops, writing groups and community arts events. She has facilitated sessions for university creative-writing students and for people living with dementia, chronic physical conditions or long-term mental health conditions, working with organisations including Voluntary Action Orkney and Age Scotland Orkney. She has also led Wirdsmit, Orkney’s writing group for young people, and is the BRAW WORDS Makar for the Hampden Collection. Her books and projects bring writing to readers and communities.