Ullapool’s Book Festival committee have announced next year will be the last as all volunteers have surpassed the age of 60.
The first event was held in 2005 and brought writers and creatives from all over the world together.
Last year, due to coronavirus guidelines, the event, which they hoped to hold live, was cancelled and instead held virtually.
Honorary president Chris Dolan described the festival as “legendary among writers from Scotland and across the world.”
However, as all volunteers are in their 60s and 70s, they’ve made the decision to pull the plug after the two-day event in 2023.
‘Extraordinary all-women committee’
Mr Dolan went on to pay tribute to the festival’s all-female committee for their knowledge and service over the past 18 years.
He said: “We mustn’t forget, the extraordinary work, commitment, knowledge and skills of the festival’s committee.
“All women, all readers, each with a wealth of experience in organising events and a keen eye for established and emerging writers.
“Under the leadership of the untiring and astute festival chair, Joan Michael, those of us who have enjoyed UBF for so long and have such great memories of them all can’t thank you enough.”
Who will appear at Ullapool Book Festival?
Writers attending next year’s festival include Shetland poet Christine De Luca, Hebridean novelist Donald S Murray, Angus crime writer Doug Johnstone and Edinburgh author Kirstin Innes.
The festival will also host international writers such as award-winning Indian journalist and author Puja Changoiwala.
Professor Linda Bauld government advisor during the pandemic, and Jeane Freeman, Scottish Government health minister will attend alongside doctor and writer Gavin Francis who wrote the book Intensive Care: A GP, A Community And A Pandemic.
Another famous to appear at the festival is Sir Tom Devine, Scotland’s most distinguished historian who will discuss his work on icons of Scottish identity
Musicians such as Aberdeen guitarist Graham Stephen will play a variety of musical genres from Scottish folk to improvised jazz.
The Ullapool Book Festival will kick off on Friday May 5 and finish at around 9.30pm on Saturday May 6.
Conversation