A stellar line-up of more than 30 authors, wordsmiths, filmmakers, adventurers and journalists has been unveiled for the 13th annual Winter Words literary festival in Pitlochry next month.
Among those jostling for top billing at the event in the festival theatre is politician Vince Cable, who will share his view on the British Economy and how best it should be managed over the next decade and beyond.
Nicholas Crane – whose face and name is easily recognised from BBC’s Coast – will deliver a talk on his new book, which describes the evolution of Britain’s countryside and the development of its cities.
Award-winning crime author Christopher Brookmyre will read from his critically acclaimed new novel Black Widow, which revives the much-loved maverick reporter Jack Parlabane.
Nature and wildlife man John Lewis-Stempel, winner of the Wainwright prize and author of the critically acclaimed Meadowland, is set to deliver a heart-warming talk on his book Where Poppies Blow about the human condition in wartime.
For food enthusiasts Kirsten Gilmour of Aviemore’s The Mountain Café will discuss the Kiwi-influenced recipes in her book and there will be an opportunity to sample some of her creations.
There are also talks by award-winning reporter and Guardian columnist Madeleine Bunting, singer-songwriter-journalist Malachy Tallack and mountaineer Alan Rowan.
Winter Words, which runs from Februay 10 to 19, will also see the return of the Banff Mountain Film Festival.
After a highly successful sell-out show last year, the film festival will be showing two different programmes of adrenaline-packed, death-defying short films this year.
For poetry enthusiasts there is the return of free Poetry Please! lunchtime sessions, including a reading with Scottish Slam champion Iona Lee, and budding writers may wish to expand their ideas through a short-story writing workshop or a playwriting workshop. The latter culminates in a reading from the plays by a professional actor. Spaces are limited for these courses, so booking is required.
For younger festival goers, puppetry master Tania Czajka will present her puppet show (aimed at three to eight-year-olds) which introduces the French language and culture in an easy, fun and light style.
Amateur and experienced authors can submit a spooky story for the annual Fearie Tales Writing Competition, closing date January 31.
Further details can be found at www.PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com
