6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Michael Palin and Gordon Buchanan draw crowds to the Borders Book Festival
As The Borders Book Festival flings open its gates this week (Thursday 12th June) festival-goers are in exceptional company under canvas: renowned traveller, documentary maker, author and comedian Michael Palin recounts stories of adventure, family and change from his latest diaries.
Also gifted natural history cameraman Gordon Buchanan shares the moving story of his life, including his troubled childhood and how nature ultimately helped him to heal.
The four-day extravaganza of storytelling, supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, takes place this weekend, from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th June, in Melrose's Harmony Garden, in the Scottish Borders, and will include well-known names from the worlds of fiction, hit television shows, politics and current affairs, food and drink, plus a history programme honouring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
The Family Festival, sponsored by Blackport Investments, also has children's favourites galore over Saturday and Sunday, with activities for the whole family to enjoy together.
Amongst the packed programme, particular gems include: stars of BBC hit comedy Gavin & Stacey, Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb, both with new books; acclaimed documentary maker Stacey Dooley with her moving take on motherhood; Hairy Biker Si King, as he roars back to Melrose for another helping; queens of the BBC Kirsty Wark and Sally Magnusson in a not-to-be-missed look back over their decades at the helms of flagship news programmes Newsnight and Reporting Scotland; politicians now free of the shackles of government, Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove; Scottish First Minister John Swinney on the books that have shaped his life; World War Two historian and commentator James Holland; current affairs insiders James Naughtie, Andrew Marr and Gavin Esler looking at what might really be happening in our world in 2025; and Tanni Grey-Thompson and Sammi Kinghorn share with Louise Minchin the challenges, triumphs and determination that shaped their sporting journeys.
For foodie fans there is Coinneach MacLeod – AKA The Hebridean Baker — and Channel 4's Suzanne Mulholland – AKA The Batch Lady.
For fans of historical fiction, the book festival also sees the annual announcement, live on stage, of the prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, with six shortlisted literary talents in the running for the £25,000 prize.
Literary sensation Andrew O'Hagan will also be at the festival this year, as will crime-writing dazzlers Ian Rankin and Ambrose Parry.
In this 80th year since the end of World War Two, the book festival is delighted to present an exclusive event, The Secret Listeners, telling the amazing story of Britain's Voluntary Interceptors, a highly secret group who monitored the coded radio traffic of German intelligence and sent what they heard to Bletchley Park, enabling the vital Ultra signals intelligence.
Alistair Moffat c. Ryan Rutherford
Sworn to the Official Secrets Act, these silent warriors on the Home Front all over Britain were not allowed to tell their story. Until now. Alistair Moffat will talk to Bruce McCartney, who has uncovered many of these extraordinary accounts, some from right here in the Borders.
Festival Director, Alistair Moffat, said: 'We are delighted to be throwing open the glorious Harmony Garden again this year, and we have packed the marquees with unmissable events that will keep audiences talking and thinking long after they head home.
'From incredible stories of personal resilience, determination and courage to tales of wartime struggle that are so poignant and which demand to be told; from political insider gossip and speculation to serious discussion over the current state of our world and what might be next; from recollections of television and radio careers past to those very much still in full flow; there is something here for everybody.
'And hey, the sun will shine brightly and constantly – but we do have our brand new transparent canopy for The Orchard – our tented food village — just in case!
'The Borders Book Festival on a long, sunny June day is just magical – our own slice of heaven for the whole family to enjoy.'
The Family Festival takes place throughout the day on the Saturday and Sunday (14th & 15th June) and includes, among so many others: the inimitable Elle McNicoll; former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho; Catherine Rayner celebrating 20 years of Augustus & His Smile; colouring fun with Eilidh Muldoon; and festival favourites Vivian French, Alan Windram and Tom Morgan-Jones.
The Orchard tented food village, adjacent to Harmony Garden, hosts live music and free, fun activities for the whole family, making the Borders Book Festival a fantastic day out for the entire family
The Borders Book Festival is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact by implementing a number of net zero goals including: zero waste to landfill; e-ticketing and a donation to planting trees for every ticket purchased.
Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland said; 'Borders Book Festival once again transforms Melrose into a haven for book lovers, welcoming a stellar lineup of writers to inspire, entertain, and spark imaginations.
'With a special focus on young readers, the festival champions the joy of reading through dynamic events featuring top-tier authors and illustrators like Elle McNicoll and former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho.
'Whether you're eager to meet your literary heroes or discover fresh voices to add to your reading list, this is the perfect chance for book enthusiasts across the Scottish Borders to immerse themselves in storytelling at its finest.'
Tickets available at or by calling 0131 290 2112 and from the Book Festival Box Office on the day subject to availability.
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