WIGTOWN's annual book festival has unveiled its programme for its 20th running this year.
The festival runs in the Dumfries and Galloway town from September 21 to 30.
This year it will feature broadcaster Clare Balding, bestselling author Patrick Gale, Susan Calman, Louis de Bernières, landscape artist Andy Goldsworthy, Jo Swinson MP, comedian and radio presenter Robin Ince, historian Tom Devine, crime writer Ann Cleeves, actor, writer and comedian Arabella Weir, philosopher John Gray, mountain walker and writer Cameron McNeish and broadcaster and writer Sally Magnusson.
There will also be a series of events as special celebrations for the 20th festival, including panel discussions offering writers’ perspectives on how Scotland has changed in the past two decades.
Adrian Turpin, the festival's artistic director, said: “The 20th festival is a very special moment for us and we are celebrating with a vibrant and exciting line-up of guests. Some are new to the event, others are old friends.
“We are also seizing the moment to look at a series of wider issues, including the ways in which Scotland has changed – for better or worse – since the late 1990s.
"And in a country, a continent and a world riven by upheaval and uncertainty we will explore what things might be like when the 40th festival comes around."
Professor Dame Sue Black, the forensic anthropologist who became a household name with her TV series History Cold Case, said:“I am so looking forward to Wigtown book festival. It’s the brightest jewel on the festival circuit and I know it is going to be a really precious experience.”
Also in the festival, the historian Ted Cowan will discuss John Ross of Stranraer’ voyage to discover the Northwest Passage, Shaun Bythell talks about his bestselling Diary of a Bookseller and Sara Maitland will present A Pocket Pilgrimage – St Ninian’s Cave.
Julia Muir Watt will look at Whithorn: An Economy of People, and Mike Morley shares stories of sacrifice and bravery from his book Wigtown Warriors.
www.wigtownbookfestival.com
THE Gaelic singer Alasdair Gillies will celebrate his 80th birthday in Skye as part of the Blas Festival.
He will take to the stage alongside Alastair Macdonald, Christine Primrose, Donald Black, John Carmichael, Griogair Labhruidh and others to celebrate his 80th birthday on 8September at Àros in Portree.
He said: "I am really looking forward to appearing at the Blas Festival, especially in Skye, where my heart lies.
"I will be joined by a few friends, old and new.
“I am particularly delighted to have Christine Primrose, with me along with Griogair and Donnie Black. Folk singer Alastair Macdonald and accordionist John Carmichael will be doing their own thing, as well as giving me musical support, as they have done over the years!"
Blas, which means ‘taste’ or ‘sample’, is organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in partnership with The Highland Council and will take place from 7-15th September.
Other headline acts at this year’s Blas, which takes place at venues from Bernera to Applecross and Portree to Portmahomack, include Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis, two previous winners of BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, Mischa Macpherson and Brìghde Chaimbeul, Celtic rock group Wolfstone, who will perform at Blas for the first time, award-winning folk band Breabach, young electronic Celtic fusion group, Niteworks and RURA.
www.blas-festival.com
TODAY two events looking at the issue of art and migration will be staged by Deveron Projects and Counterpoint Arts.
Glasgow School of Art Fine Art Photography graduate, Iman Tajik, whose photographic work of Calais is currently on show as part of Fleming at 50, will be a keynote speaker at the event at the Royal Scottish Academy.
Samir Mehanovic who will present his recent documentary, Through Our Eyes, giving a personal insight into the Syrian conflict.
Also participating will be painters Rachel Ashton and May Murad, from Gaza, who worked together on Walking without Borders for Deveron Projects.
Murad, who is not able to leave Gaza, will take part in the event over the internet.
The event will be chaired by Almir Koldzic of Counterpoint Arts
www.deveron-projects.com/events/migration-borders/
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