A POE-INSPIRED magazine recording tales of suspense and intrigue has now been printed after it was launched by Irvine pupils last year.

The Raven, compiled by a hard-working editors, sub-editors, writers and promoters at Irvine Royal Academy, compiles stories in tribute to the American master of terror Edgar Allan Poe – who learned English lessons by writing epitaphs from gravestones in the old kirkyard.

And now issue number 1 has been printed after the pupils previously launched an podcast for work to be heard online.

English Teacher Chris Kelso said: “A lot of hard work has gone into this and our Raven team should be commended for their tireless effort over the festive period.

“We also have fantastic introductions from academics like Sebastien Doubinsky and graphic novelist, Edward Ross. Merchandise is also in the works, so watch this space!’

Irvine Times:

“The magazine is part of our whole-school leadership initiative. Students undertake a project and work together to come up with a final product. Our team is comprised of editors, sub-editors, acquisitions, a promotion department, and contributors. For many of the budding young creatives, this will be their first opportunity to have work published.

“Edgar Allen Poe is such a momentous figure in the gothic canon – his work shaped a lot of what we see in contemporary American literature today.

“His influence reaches far and wide, but he is also one of Irvine’s most prestigious adopted sons. Poe was brought to Irvine to live with John Allan’s family.

“While it is not known exactly how long Poe stayed in Irvine, he did attend the school at Kirkgatehead, next to the parish church. It seemed like such an overlooked but significant aspect of the town’s literary heritage.

“For Irvine to have helped forge the imagination of such an icon of letters is worth celebrating.”