Celebrate Hope: Book Week Scotland 2024 Ignites Inspiration across Scotland

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland 2024, returns from 18-24 November to uplift the country with its theme of Hope.

Article Source: Scottish Book Trust
Last Updated: 11 November 2024 10:59

This year’s programme offers unique perspectives on resilience, community, and the landscapes that define the region. Over the years, Book Week Scotland has deepened its impact across Scotland, delivering literary events to even the remotest locations and fostering connections in towns and communities.

The 2024 programme spotlights regional authors and local libraries as community cornerstones. 65,000 copies of a new free book, Scotland’s Stories: Hope, will be distributed during the week. It is made up of real-life stories from people across Scotland.

Book Week Scotland event highlights in Aberdeen and the North East:
• A Close-Knit Conversation with Jenny Colgan, Central Library, Aberdeen, 18 November – Join bestselling author Jenny Colgan in a heartfelt discussion about hope and community.
• The Bridge Between Worlds with Gavin Francis, Central Library, Aberdeen, 20 November – An insightful talk exploring cultural and literal bridges in literature, connecting global and local perspectives.
• Interesting Times with Maggie Craig, Orb’s Community Bookshop, Huntly, 23 November – Popular historian Maggie Craig will delve into the intricate tapestry of Scottish history and how hope has played a role through challenging times.

Book Week Scotland event highlights in Highland and Islands:
• Cove and Kilcreggan Book Festival, Cove Burgh Hall, 23-24 November—This annual festival celebrates local and national authors and offers a weekend of book signings, storytelling sessions, and discussions.
• James Oswald, Dunoon Library, 23 November – James Oswald will share insights into his writing journey, exploring the themes of hope and resilience in his popular crime novels.
• Forensic Facts Meets Forensic Fiction with Lin Anderson, Campbeltown Library, 20 November – Crime author Lin Anderson teams up with forensic experts to explore the interplay between fact and fiction in crime writing.

Book Week Scotland event highlights in Tayside, Central, and Fife:
• Meet the Author: Mary Craig, Speirs Centre, Falkirk, 21 November. This is a chance to meet the local historian Mary Craig as she shares insights from her work and invites reflections on the hopeful stories embedded in Scottish history.
• David Meldrum Lowe, Speirs Centre, Falkirk, 18 November – Join David Meldrum Lowe for a literary discussion that connects readers through shared stories and local history.
• Dunfermline Mini-Con, Kingsgate Shopping Centre, 23 November – This family-friendly event brings the excitement of books, comics, and pop culture to Dunfermline, inviting attendees of all ages to explore the joy of reading.
• Creative Writing Workshop with Kirsty Gunn, Tayport, 21 November – A hands-on writing workshop led by esteemed author Kirsty Gunn, encouraging attendees to explore their hopeful narratives.

Book Week Scotland event highlights in Edinburgh and the Lothians:
• Landscapes of Hope and Inspiration, Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 18 November—This event will bring together visual artist Julie Brook, writer Linda Cracknell, and musician Duncan Chisholm to discuss how Scotland’s landscapes inspire and provide hope.
• The Pleasures of Reading with Jackie Kay, Portobello Bookshop, 20 November – Jackie Kay shares the books that have inspired her, joined by Dr Sarah McGeown to explore the benefits of reading for pleasure.
• Various Author Events Across Edinburgh and East Lothian – Libraries and regional community centres will host readings, discussions, and family events celebrating the joy of reading.

Book Week Scotland even highlights in Glasgow and Strathclyde:
• Unwritten Women with Hannah Lavery, National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, 20 November—Poet and playwright Hannah Lavery examines the often-overlooked stories of women in Scottish literature.
• Born in Kyle: A Love Letter tae an Ayrshire Childhood with Billy Kay, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Ayrshire, 20 November – Billy Kay shares stories from his childhood, showcasing the power of memory and hope.

Book Week Scotland event highlights in the Borders:
• New Scots: Old and New Connections with Sawsan Al-Areeqe and Iyad Hayatleh, Catstrand, Castle Douglas, 23 November—This conversation bridges old and new perspectives, inviting attendees to explore hope in the context of migration and cultural connection.
• Various Community Events Across the Scottish Borders—Local libraries and centres will host readings, discussions, and workshops, welcoming readers of all ages.

Scottish Book Trust invites everyone to join the #BookWeekScotland conversation and find further information and event listings at www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland

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