Have we Scot a good read for you – Scotland’s literary legacy is appreciated all over the world and Scottish book festivals are lining up as bestsellers this autumn.
They attract authors and audiences from across the globe and there’s a feast of inaugural festivals coming onto the scene this year, alongside the well-established stalwarts.
VisitScotland has rounded up the following festivals celebrating our love of a good read this autumn…
Portobello Book Festival (4 – 6 October 2019), Edinburgh
Over the weekend in October, in the coastal suburb of Edinburgh, the festival’s line up brings together a distinctive mix of subjects, writers, commentators and readers. More at https://portobellobookfestival.wordpress.com/
Orkney Storytelling Festival (25 – 28 October 2019), Orkney
A celebration of the oral tradition in Orkney, this annual event brings together local and invited storytellers from across the globe. Warm yourself by the fire as experienced storytellers delve into imagined worlds with tales exploring the history and heritage of the islands. With events held in venues across Orkney, the festival’s eclectic 2019 programme has a truly international flavor, welcoming local storytellers from Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada and Africa. More at https://www.orkney.com/listings/orkney-storytelling-festival
Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival (30 October – 2 November 2019)
One of An Lanntair’s flagship cultural events, the festival draws audiences and acclaimed authors and performers from all across the UK. This year’s theme, Human Nature, will draw out extraordinary tales of humanity and landscape. Featured authors include: Niall Iain Macdonald on his three dramatic solo attempts to row across the Atlantic; land-artist Julie Brook on the philosophy behind her dramatic, elemental sea fire-stacks; a celebration of the life, photography and film of the American anthropologist Margaret Fay Shaw; and much more.
The festival will open with an exclusive script-in-hand performance of Alan Bissett and sruth-mara’s new theatre adaptation of Alastair McIntosh’s extraordinary Lewis-set book, Soil and Soul. For the full programme and ticket information visit: http://lanntair.com/creative-programme/faclan/faclan-2019/
Book Week Scotland (18-25 November 2019)
Taking place all across the country, Book Week Scotland is a celebration of books, reading and all things literature, not to mention a great excuse to get lost in a great story. Organised by the Scottish Book Trust, it encourages people of all ages and walks of life to come together in libraries, schools, community venues and workplaces to share and enjoy books and reading. They will be joined in this celebration by Scotland’s authors, poets, playwrights, storytellers and illustrators to bring a packed programme of events and projects to life. For more details visit: www.scottishbooktrust.com and for updates follow the Scottish Book Trust on Twitter or Facebook.
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