Scottish Blog

Iain Banks is an internationally recognized Scottish science-fiction writer.

Iain Banks (or Iain M Banks, as he or more commonly known) was born on the 16th of February 1954, in the Scottish town of Dunferline, Fife. He grew up in a relatively easy lifestyle, as his father was an officer in the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom and his mother was a professional ice-skater. He studied at the University of Stirling, taking majors in English, philosophy and psychology.

Iain Banks is most commonly known for his science fiction novels, predominant amongst these are his works on “The Culture” series, of which there are currently six, with another being released in 2008. He has released three other science fiction novels and twelve general fiction novels since 1984. Alongside this there are a number of contributions made by Iain Banks to various books and a guide to travel through the Scotch distilleries of Scotland. Interestingly, all of the science-fiction works by Iain Banks are published under the name Iain M. Banks, while all his other publications go under his real name.

In his personal life, Iain Banks is a known supporter of the Declaration of Calton Hill. His works often have a “left-wing “theme through them, which can be contributed to his own political views. Early in 2007, Iain Banks sold his collection of various cars and purchased a hybrid car, vowing from that moment to only vote for the Green party.