Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
Article Source: Scottish Book Trust
Last Updated: 9 October 2025 9:36
The programme for Book Week Scotland 2025 has now been announced, with a whole week of exciting and inclusive events with some of Scotland’s top authors, running from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 November.
Graeme Macrae Burnet, makar Peter Mackay, and New York Times’ best-selling author Amal El-Mohtar will be taking part in a week of events, which all celebrate the theme of friendship.
Book Week Scotland, now in its 14th year, is run by Scottish Book Trust, and is supported by Creative Scotland. The annual celebration of books and reading has an extensive programme of events across Scotland which encourages community involvement, and which covers Scots and Gaelic, arts, poetry, and music.
Scottish Book Trust will also be delivering 70,000 copies of a free book, Scotland’s Stories: Friendship across Scotland. As part of an annual writing opportunity, members of the public have contributed their stories, including commissioned pieces from authors Catherine Simpson and Chitra Ramaswamy.
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme highlights:
• 70,000 free copies of Scotland’s Stories: Friendship will be distributed all over Scotland
• New and exclusive Amal El-Mohtar serialisation: Readers can subscribe to a brand new piece of writing by the Canadian poet and co-author of the New York Times best-selling This is How You Lose the Time War. Sign up for free daily instalments to be delivered directly to your inbox throughout Book Week.
• Pitch It!: Hannah Lavery, Kirsty Logan and Anbara Salaam will be attending local events programmed by winning pitchers. Anbara will be hosted by the Scottish BIPOC writers network, Hannah by Govanhill Baths Community Trust, and Kirsty will be speaking to arts students at Abertay University.
• A special showcase event at Dundee’s Steps Theatre on Monday 17 November to launch the Scriever and Freens tour with the current Scots Scriever, Taylor Dyson. Previous scrievers, Shane Strachan and Susi Briggs, will join Taylor at the showcase, before she takes the tour to other venues across Scotland.
• Graeme Macrae Burnet will be at National Library Scotland for a special event on Thursday 20 November, where he explores the impact that being a reader has had on his life.
• Makar Peter Mackay will be taking part in a Pleasures and Power of Reading event at Summerhall on Sunday 23 November as part of the Push the Boat Out festival.
• Interactive Reading Map: make sure you add what you’re reading during Book Week, and discover what others are reading. We’ll share our findings on what Scotland is reading right now, later in the year.
In schools:
• Universal book gifting for young school children: Every P1, P2, and P3 child in Scotland will receive a specially curated book bag filled with books and activities, thanks to Bookbug (P1) and Read, Write, Count (P2 & P3).
• Authors Live with Frank Cottrell-Boyce: This event will be broadcast live to schools across the UK on Tuesday 26 November, as a follow up to Book Week Scotland. Frank is the multi-award-winning author of numerous beloved children's books, including Millions, The Wonder Brothers, Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth and many more, as well as having an illustrious career as a screenwriter working on both film and TV.
Alan Bett, Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: ‘Book Week Scotland will once again reach out to engage the people of Scotland in sharing the love and value of books and reading, with an inspiring and inclusive range of literary events taking place across the country. There will be opportunities for people of all ages and interests to enjoy the work of leading writers like best-selling author Amal El-Mohtar and Scots Scriver, Taylor Dyson. In 2025, Book Week Scotland will also shine a special light on the importance of friendship, when reading and books are celebrated online, in libraries, theatres, homes, and hearts.’
Marc Lambert, CEO Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Book Week Scotland 2025 is set to be a bumper programme, and we are excited to announce the range of authors, artists and events we have lined up. This year’s theme of friendship is also apt for a week in which authors come together with the community to share ideas. It also ties in with our connection to our partners, who we are incredibly grateful to for allowing us to make this week happen. This includes Creative Scotland and Scottish Library and Information Council, and the independent bookshops, schools and libraries that are hosting our events. We find friendship in all these places, and we hope new bonds are formed during Book Week Scotland.’
Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council, said:
‘Book Week Scotland is a wonderful celebration of the power of stories to bring people together and a highlight in Scotland's Literary Calendar. Our libraries are at the heart of their communities, and this year’s theme of friendship shines a light on the connections that grow when people share books and ideas. We’re proud to support Scottish Book Trust in making this special week happen and look forward to welcoming everyone to join in the celebrations in libraries across the country.’
For more information on events, listings and how to get involved, visit www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland
Follow the conversation with #BookWeekScotland on social media.
Image: Authors Chitra Ramaswamy an Graeme Macrae Burnet at Argonaut Books, Leith Walk, Edinburgh
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Popular independent lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas confirmed for Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced it has secured popular independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer, Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Romesh Ranganathan to join Sheridan Smith in Woman in Mind at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Romesh Ranganathan will make his stage debut in a new production of Alan Ayckbourn's psychological comedy Woman In Mind, in a strictly limited engagement at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Original cast of Horrible Histories take to the stage at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
The Theatre Royal, Glasgow has announced an additional performance of Horrible Histories – The Concert coming to the venue from Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March.
READ MORE
Free Film&Screen Saturday Club launches in Glasgow for 13 to 16 year olds
Teenagers in Glasgow are being offered a chance to step behind the camera and into a studio with the launch of a brand-new Film&Screen Saturday Club that's free to join and open to 13-16 year olds.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step inside the House of Horrors at Somewhere by Nico
This October, Somewhere by Nico on Byres Road dares guests to enter The House of Horrors, a 5-course cocktail experience inspired by some of cinema's most iconic fright-fests.
READ MORE
Totally fetch casting update for Scottish premiere of Mean Girls
Emily Lane will star as Cady Heron alongside Vivian Panka as Regina George when Mean Girls The Musical comes to Glasgow's King's Theatre next summer!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Last chance to see Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at SEC Glasgow
The hugely popular experience, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, will end its very successful Glasgow run on 26th October 2025.
READ MORE
Mattel and Glasgow Life announce Barbie: The Exhibition is set to make Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Barbie®: The Exhibition is set to make its Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 13 June 2026!
READ MORE
Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Silverburn to host annual job fair with over 100 roles available
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, is inviting job seekers looking to gain retail experience to its annual Job Fair on Friday 10th October, 10am – 5pm in the main atrium.
READ MORE
RSNO leader Maya Iwabuchi celebrated in new portrait by Gerard M Burns
Artist Gerard M Burns has revealed a new portrait of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's Leader, Maya Iwabuchi as part of his Mother Glasgow project.
READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow to throw an epic 10th birthday party on 13th October
Flight Club is turning 10 in October and taking the celebrations on a UK-wide birthday tour, with a month of parties in each city it calls home!
READ MORE
Dirty Dancing, The Classic Story on Stage, returns to Glasgow
Producer Karl Sydow is delighted to announce that Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will be touring the UK and Ireland from summer 2026.
READ MORE
Extra Tickets Released: True Crime Live with David Swindle comes to Glasgow
Due to high demand, extra tickets have been released for True Crime Live: Murder – A Search for the Truth with international crime expert David Swindle.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Citz new Studio Theatre opens on 8th October with Young Co celebration of the legendary Close Theatre Club
The final space in the Citizens Theatre's acclaimed seven-year redevelopment opens this week on Wednesday 8th October.
READ MORE
COSMO St Enoch introduces initiative to encourage multi gen dining
Ye cannae shove yer granny aff a bus - but you can take her for a free meal at COSMO St Enoch!
READ MORE
Record turn out for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
Glasgow's city centre was transformed into a festival of running as thousands took part in the 10K and Half Marathon, cheered on by over 100,000 supporters as part of the city's famous spirit.
READ MORE
Aldi encourages shoppers in Glasgow to support local foodbanks ahead of colder months
As the colder months approach, Aldi is reminding shoppers in Glasgow of the most essential items to donate to foodbanks via its in-store donation points.
READ MORE
Glasgow woman adds Great Scottish Run to epic 5,000 mile trek in memory of late wife
A Glasgow woman, who is walking 5,000 miles across the UK in memory of her late wife will take on the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run half marathon as part of her year-long fundraising challenge.
READ MORE
Lead Casting announced for Mean Girls
Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live and Sonia Friedman Productions are delighted to announce initial casting of the award-winning Mean Girls The Musical.
READ MORE
The Tall Ship Glenlee wins top regional tourism award
The Tall Ship Glenlee is thrilled to announce that it has been recognised as the winner of a prestigious tourism award.
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORE
Bridgerton star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
James Bradwell to star as Sergeant Gavin Troy opposite Daniel Casey as Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift at the Theatre Royal Glasgow!
READ MORE
From one Glasgow legend to another: Elaine C Smith joins Hoolie in the Hydro Sir Billy Connolly celebrations
Beloved Scottish actress and comedian Elaine C Smith has been announced as the latest star to join the line up for Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin, taking place at the OVO Hydro on in December!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links