The newly knighted creator of The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series marked the end of a joyous week of celebrations by presenting a poem to King Charles at a reception at Edinburgh Castle yesterday, celebrating the 900th anniversary of Scotland’s capital city. The poem appears in The Times online today and in paper. The […]

 Alexander is formally Knighted in Edinburgh Sir Alexander McCall Smith has been Knighted by King Charles III in the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The investiture ceremony took place today, Tuesday 2 July 2024, and forms a central part of Royal Week, during which the Monarch spends some days visiting various […]

We have been out on the road with Alexander McCall Smith, meeting readers in the north of England. We were celebrating publication of The Perfect Passion Company and offering a sneak preview of the forthcoming book in the Isabel Dalhousie series, The Conditions of Unconditional Love, as well (of course) as catching up with old […]

Photo journalist and documentary maker, Mats Ögren Wanger is travelling with Alexander on his visit back to Botswana, country of the author’s heart. He has sent back some stunning photographs from their time in the Bush. They capture the treasures of Botswana, home to Precious Ramotswe and The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. More photographs will […]

A Marimba band from the SOS Children’s Village entertained Alexander when he arrived. This short clip gives you a real flavour of Botswana and the fun he is having on this adventure. Video created by Mats Ögren Wanger, photo-journalist and documentary maker accompanying Alexander on his trip back to Botswana. ‘My wife and I first […]

‘Sandy’ revisits home of Precious Ramotswe Alexander McCall Smith is back in Botswana for the first time since the pandemic halted his annual visits. He is delighted to be back. Book 25 in the multi-million copy bestselling and perennially adored No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series is on its way Every year, Alexander (or Sandy) […]

It is with great delight that we relay the information that Alexander McCall Smith, author and academic, has been honoured as Knight Bachelor in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours list, 2024. The acclaimed Scottish writer is also a librettist, a poet, and a great thinker and the award recognises his service to literature, […]

2023 has been another busy and exciting year for Alexander and his team. It has seen the publication of no fewer than five new hardback books, a big birthday, over 25 appearances at book festivals and bookshop events around the world, a lifetime achievement award, and not just one, but two audiences with His Royal […]

In March 2024 I shall be back in Botswana for a visit, long-delayed as a result of Covid travel restrictions. I am very much looking forward to being back in that remarkable, heart-beguiling country, the setting for The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels. My programme includes some time in Gaborone, where I hope to […]

As the weather starts to change the road beckons and so Alexander McCall Smith travelled from his Edinburgh home to the south and south west of England for a short September tour to meet readers. Where did we go? Alexander – and his publicist Jan Rutherford – started out in the early hours of Thursday […]

Have you ever wanted to know more about Mma Ramotswe’s Botswana? Delve into this exciting new podcast and explore the world of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective, her friends, and her important places. As you listen to the episodes you will be transported between McCall Smith’s fictional world and the true Botswana. You will meet […]

After a few months of delay due to his hectic schedule, Alexander McCall Smith has received the Saltire Lifetime Achievement Award from the prestigious Saltire Society. The presentation took place on Saturday at the Society’s HQ in Edinburgh and was attended by many who have been heavily involved in Scottish culture and society over the years. The […]