Political journalist and broadcaster John Sergeant will headline the 16th Nairn Book and Arts Festival (NBAF).
The event opens on September 10 and runs until the 15th and boasts a line-up bursting with literary talent.
Its programme also includes poet Don Paterson, author and playwright Des Dillon, authors Leila Aboulela, Rosemary Goring, Sara Sheridan, Donald Murray, Mandy Haggith, Jess Smith and Karen Campbell and travel writer Kapka Kassabova.
Alan Bisset returns with More Moira Monologues, mountain man Cameron McNeish talks about his life and extraordinary career, and Tom Devine discusses his latest book, ‘The Scottish Clearances’.
On the festival’s Poetry Platform, meanwhile, will be Janet Sutherland, Diana Hendry, Hamish Whyte and Richard Barnett.
Cinemor77’s Yurt Cinema comes to the festival for the first time, offering two days of film for all ages.
Authors Geraldine McCaughrean, Theresa Breslin, and Lesley Glaister, meanwhile, will be visiting local schools.
The Wine and Crime event will feature Denzil Meyrick, co-founder of literary crime festival ‘Bloody Scotland’ Lin Anderson, Highland Noir author Margaret Kirk and Sandra Ireland.
And there will also be an array of musical acts too, with performers including the trio Avocet and Scottish Renaissance music ensemble Musick Fyne.
Adam Ross of Randolph’s Leap will return to his home town of Nairn, Don Paterson will play with Aberdonian guitarist/composer Graham Stephen and David Godden and Friends will present a night of folk and traditional music in aid of the MS Society Scotland.
NBAF chairwoman Mavis Macdonald said: “The festival has evolved over its 16 years to create a very desirable destination for the country’s top authors, poets and playwrights.
“They love coming here and are met with highly appreciative audiences.”
