Acclaimed author Ann Cleeves will headline a north-east village’s book festival next month.
The Portsoy Book Festival, now in its fourth year, will be held at the village’s Salmon Bothy venue on March 11 and 12.
Mrs Cleeves, author of the hugely popular Shetland series, will take the helm at the weekend festival as part of the “partners in crime series” along with novelists Alex Gray and CaroRamsay.
Organiser Moira Stewart said: “Four years ago, a group of us got together to put together the festival. It was very small but successful enough for us to be able to keep it going and build upon it.”
“Over the weekend, we invite four or five authors who are predominantly Scottish.
“We also have a programme specifically for children where a children’s author will give talks and visit the local schools.”
Last year former, First Minister Alex Salmond was the star speaker as he gave a talk about his memoirs, The Dream Shall Never Die.
Part-funded by the Scottish Book Trust, the festival aims to encourage both adults and children in the Banffshire village to broaden their reading.
On Saturday, March 11 a treasure hunt focused on The Doric Gruffalo will include a crafting session for kids before storyteller Grace Banks leads a walk to find the friendly monster.
Other speakers over the weekend include crime writer Craig Robertson, and James Oswald, author of the best-selling Inspector McLean mystery series set in Edinburgh.
Aileen Burnett, chairwoman of the organising committee said: “The festival would not have been possible without the support of the Scottish Book Trust, and our generous local sponsors. On behalf of the committee I would like to express my sincere thanks to them all.”
Tickets for the festival events start from £5 and can be bought from Portsoy Ice Cream shop in Seafield Street. Alternatively call 01261 843822.
