Another richly varied programme will be on offer at this year’s Islay Book Festival which is being held in the Port Ellen primary school on 8th and 9th September. This event grows more popular year by year and confirms that Scotland is the top location for book festivals. Among the attractions at Port Ellen bookfest will be vampires favouring Scottish blood, the mysteries of stone circles and gentle romance based on the island of Gigha’s history.

Sue Lawrence’s food writing will make mouths water and the event will also see a return visit from Scotland’s Makar Liz Lochhead who will give two talks. In the first, she will discuss her role as Scotland’s poet laureate and give readings from her works. She will also bring her own inimitable take on Robert Burns, our other national bard, and how his writings continue to influence her own work. Also at the podium will be local author Justin Ruthven-Tyers whose amazing story tells how personal tragedy led to a sea adventure packed with incident.

On Friday, 7th September, five distinguished authors of children’s books will be visiting the island’s schools. All pupils will have the opportunity to meet the authors and be entertained and inspired. The authors involved will also hold additional sessions during the main festival which are free and open to all. A special session by Linda Strachan will be geared for Primary 7 pupils and teenagers, and there will be much to appeal to older pupils in the adult programme content.

C & E Roy will be in attendance throughout the festival stocking all the relevant books which the authors will be delighted to sign. The St John’s Church of Scotland catering team will also be on hand providing their usual delicious fare during the 2 day festival. More details and a full programme on www.islaybookfestival.com

This story was published with kind permission of the Ileach local newspaper.

Tag: book festival port ellen