Alison Lang was born in Hereford. Her family lived in many parts of the country before moving to Edinburgh, where Alison received her education prior to going to the University of St. Andrews where she graduated in Philosophy. Whilst working at the Scottish Parliament soon after it was established, she attended Gaelic night classes, where she was inspired to take the language further. Alison has written for The Scotsman and has had short stories included in several publications, including the 2009 Ur-Sgeul collection, Damien Hirst's Skull. She currently works for the broadcasting company MG ALBA and lives in Edinburgh. Alison will be reading from Cainnt na Caileige Caillte (The Language of the Lost Girl), her debut short story collection, published by Ur-Sgeul and shortlisted for the 2009 Saltire First Book of the Year Award.