An impressive line-up of talented writers will plot a course to Perthshire’s biggest town later this year for the ever-popular Bookmark Festival.
The three-day celebration, now in its fourth year, be held at venues around the Blairgowrie area in October.
Organisers will officially unveil this year’s programme on Saturday at the town’s Laird’s House on Lower Street, The event, from 12.30pm to 4pm, promises a fiesta-style atmosphere with tastings of gin, whisky and chocolate. It also marks the start of the yearly fundraising campaign.
Several famous names have already signed up for the festival including Costa Novel Award-winner Maggie O’Farrell, Richard Holloway and prolific crime-writer Stuart MacBride.
Sir John Lister-Kaye, one of the country’s best known naturalists and conservationists, will talk about his most recent book Gods of the Morning, while award-winning journalist Sally Magnusson will discuss her best-selling memoir and the experience of her mother’s dementia that led her to founding the charity Playlist for Life.
Events will be chaired by Bookmark patron Fiona Armstrong and broadcaster James Naughtie.
The festival will be brought to a close with a special production of radio play Whisky Galore by the Blairgowrie Players.
There will also be events for children. Among the visiting authors will be Ross MacKenzie, author of the Nowhere Emporium, winner of the Scottish Children’s Book Prize and Blue Peter Award.
Tickets are available from the One Voice shop in Upper Mill Street.
For more details visit www.bookmarkblair.com