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Ex-MP Ann Widdecombe to be top draw at Nairn Book and Arts Festival

Nairn town centre.
Nairn town centre.

Former politician and Strictly Come Dancing Star Ann Widdecombe tops the bill at this year’s Nairn Book and Arts Festival.

The annual festival, from September 1-6, will also feature heritage, history, film and music events.

Miss Widdecombe will discuss her life since leaving the Houses of Parliament in 2010 after 23 years as a Conservative MP.

A former shadow home secretary, Miss Widdecombe has published fiction, as well as made numerous television appearances on Celebrity Fit Club, Have I Got News for You, Doctor Who and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.

Her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 attracted scorn from the judges but she won enough support to remain in the competition for several weeks.

Others appearing at the festival include Ronnie Browne, a former star of The Corries, political journalist Lesley Riddoch, as well as authors Christopher Brookmyre and Roger Hutchinson.

Events include a “wine and crime afternoon” with some of Scotland’s best known crime writersm and the music line-up includes Anna Massie, Mike Vass and Hamish Napier.

Meanwhile, a “Son et Lumiere” evening at Nairn Museum will combine projected images from Nairn’s history with live music from James Ross and Robert Wallace.

There will also be a special “Seashore Saturday”, with free activities aimed at children.

The September 5 event, sponsored by the Highland Seashore Project, will include a petting tank, a magician, and workshops to make musical instruments from trash.

The silent film The Navigator with Buster Keaton will be screened, with Andy May accompanying on piano.

Festival chairman David Godden said: “Some of the nation’s best-loved authors, musicians, poets, and artists, many of whom enjoy international reputations, are coming to the festival this year.

“Highland culture and history is a strong thread throughout the programme, represented through poetry, storytelling, music, photography, and painting.”