Events Programme 2025

What will be Britain’s place in the world in the century ahead? Looking back at his time as this country’s global ambassador, Jeremy Hunt asks: is Britain a minor player, marginalised by our departure from the EU and dwarfed by the rise of new economies? Or is there a major role for us to play in a rapidly changing international order? Chaired by the BBC’s Hugh Pym. 

Showcasing some of the best new Scottish writers, we are delighted to welcome three super talented debut novelists to the festival. Chris Barclay, The Man on the Endless Stair - an expertly plotted mystery from Writer in Residence at the Edinburgh Festival this year; Natalie Jayne Clark, The Malt Whisky Murders - a darkly comic crime debut, a tasty tale of love, murder and intrigue; and Alessandra Thom, Summer Hours - a short, vivid, wry debut novel from a dazzlingly talented literary voice who has just won a New Writers Award from the Scottish Book Trust. Chaired by Hugo Rifkind.

Continuing the tradition of spoken word performance, join host Laurie Bolger, an award winning host, presenter and poet, as she reads from her debut collection, Lady. Laurie will be introducing Suzannah V Evans, author of Under the Blue, Jennifer Morag Henderson, author of Jofrid Gunn and Taylor Strickland, author of Dwell Time, as they read from their collections.  Sit back, relax and immerse yourself in a wonderful hour of verse.

Join Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with broadcaster and Labour peer Ayesha Hazarika as she discusses her candid and compelling autobiography Frankly. Scotland’s former First Minister reflects on her political journey, personal life, and the challenges of leadership. With honesty, humour, and insight, she offers a unique perspective on power, purpose, and what comes next.

Join rugby writers Peter Burns and Rob Robertson as they celebrate 100 years of iconic matches at Murrayfield, drawn from their book This is Murrayfield. Featuring unforgettable moments, quirky encounters, and legendary fixtures, they offer a lively, illustrated journey through Scottish rugby history – packed with insight, nostalgia, and the spirit of the nation’s most beloved stadium. Chaired by former Scotland International and sports broadcaster Rory Lawson.

Bestselling crime writer Val McDermid joins Nicola Sturgeon to discuss Silent Bones, the gripping new thriller in her much-loved Karen Pirie series (as seen on ITV). In this special event, McDermid reveals the inspiration behind the story, her enduring fascination with cold cases, and the craft of crime writing. Expect sharp insights, dark twists, and brilliant conversation between two Scottish icons.

Join one of Scotland’s true national treasures, broadcaster and author Sally Magnusson for a special literary lunch celebrating her spellbinding new novel The Shapeshifter’s Daughter. Enjoy a delicious two-course lunch including wine, followed by coffee, shortbread and Scots tablet, as Sally discusses folklore, memory, and the inspiration behind her latest story. Interviewed by Hugh Pym.

Celebrate the season with Anna Marshall (The Little Book of Christmas and Hogmanay) and Sarah Rankin (Feast) in a lively conversation with Rhoda Macdonald on Scottish Christmas traditions and festive feast foods. Explore ancient customs, family rituals, and seasonal folklore, alongside hearty dishes and sweet treats. Discover how Scotland’s unique heritage shapes holiday gatherings with warmth, storytelling, and culinary celebration.

They are two of the best known names in Scottish sport and we are delighted to welcome Dougie Donnelly and Pat Nevin to have a "blether" about the wider sporting scene. Acclaimed and award-winning broadcaster Dougie has a recently published autobiography My Life in Sport. Pat, a former Scotland international and now a BBC pundit, has written Football and How to Survive It his second book on his life in football. Referee for the evening will be BBC sports presenter Jill Douglas.

Bestselling author Jenny Colgan introduces The Secret Christmas Library, a heart-warming festive tale of friendship and hope. She’s joined by Andrew Meehan with Best Friends, a witty, tender novel exploring the complexities of lifelong bonds. Together they share stories brimming with warmth, humour, and the magic of human connection. Chaired by Marcus Railton.

Come and get into the Halloween spirit with Eamonn the bat; the most lovable critter you will ever meet. Explore the shores of Australia and identify the creatures you might meet. Create bat masks or headbands… bask in the Australian sun, the adventure has hardly begun. Let's go batty together. With Molly Arbuthnott.

FAMILY EVENT

Why does the past make for the best adventures? Because children faced real dangers, that’s why! Let us take you back: Defend your kingdom against the Romans? Guard a dangerous prisoner in a medieval castle? Step aboard Titanic? We’re in! Join authors Barbara Henderson, Victoria Williamson and Lindsay Littleson in this interactive and lively family session.

FAMILY EVENT

Join Cressida Cowell to celebrate How To Train Your Dragon School, her first (hilarious) novel in the Dragon world for 10 years and Which Way to the Future, her most recent book in the Which Way series. It’s been an exciting year for Dragon, with a new live action film: Cressida will talk about her inspiration and give writing and drawing tips; her events are energetic, inspiring and unmissable!

FAMILY EVENT

Jennifer Henderson’s Daughters of the North and Rosemary Goring’s The Exile: The English Years of Mary, Queen of Scots illuminate women navigating power, loyalty, and survival in turbulent times. In conversation, the authors reveal striking parallels between their subjects’ lives—resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle for agency in history. Chaired by Fiona Lindsay.

Join bestselling author and BBC presenter Coinneach MacLeod – the Hebridean Baker – for a warm celebration of Scotland’s stories, recipes and island life. Born on the Isle of Lewis, Coinneach shares cosy bakes, Gaelic traditions and heartwarming tales from the Hebrides. He’ll discuss his latest cookbook, Hebridean Baker: The Scottish Cookbook, plus his new TV series Hebridean Baker: Nordic Isles – with laughter, nostalgia, plenty of inspiration and maybe even a song or two! Chaired by Georgina Godwin.

Dr Jim Swire and Peter Biddulph talk about their powerful new book Lockerbie. Drawing on decades of investigation, personal loss, and relentless pursuit of justice, they reveal untold truths behind the tragedy. Join them as they share an intimate, moving account of resilience, love, and the fight for accountability. Jim has recently been played on screen by Colin Firth in the Sky drama Lockerbie: A Search for Truth. Interviewed by Hugh Pym.

Join acclaimed thriller writers Charles Cumming (Kennedy 35) and Kim Sherwood (A Spy Like Me) as they talk about espionage and intrigue. From Cold War secrets to contemporary intelligence and surveillance, both authors explore high stakes, hidden loyalties, and the cost of betrayal. Expect insight and razor-sharp storytelling from two of today’s leading voices in spy fiction. Chaired by Georgina Godwin.

Ambrose Parry (writing duo Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman) entwines historical intrigue with the pulse of Edinburgh’s medical past in their new book The Death of Shame. Allan Gaw’s latest, To the Shades Descend, probes science, ethics and human ambition. Chaired by author Denise Mina, both unravel how knowledge shapes lives, balancing discovery with danger, and offer readers gripping insights into humanity’s perpetual pursuit of progress.

Poets of memory and myth, Michael Pedersen and Damian Barr chart inner and outer landscapes in bold new works. Pedersen’s Muckle Flugga sails to the edges of love, grief and friendship, while Barr’s The Two Roberts reimagines war, art and intimacy. Both summon tenderness and truth, bridging history and heart with lyrical precision and luminous storytelling. Chaired by Fiona Lindsay.

Denise Mina (The Good Liar) and Polly Clark (Ocean), are in conversation with Marcus Railton, revealing the sharp edges of human experience in their new books. Mina’s storytelling crackles with crime, history and justice, while Clark’s work probes wilderness, survival and desire. Both navigate obsession and truth, unearthing resilience and vulnerability in unforgettable, richly imagined worlds.

Claire Mitchell and Zoë Venditozzi join broadcaster Nicola Meighan to talk about the publishing sensation of 2025, How to Kill a Witch, uncovering Scotland’s dark history of witch trials. Together, they examine injustice, myth and memory, asking how past persecutions shape present conversations. A compelling discussion of storytelling, truth and reclaiming silenced voices across centuries.

Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie joins Craig McLean to discuss The Tremolo Diaries, his moving, darkly funny memoir charting life as a touring musician after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. From raw diary entries to poetic reflections on illness, art, and ageing, Currie’s candid account is a powerful meditation on love, loss, music – and what happens when everything changes.

Join Amina Shah, National Librarian for Scotland and Damian Barr, award winning author and Literary Salon host for a timely conversation on the role of libraries.  Celebrating a century of Scotland’s National Library, they’ll explore how these vital spaces connect us - more than books, they’re hubs of creativity and change. Could libraries even save the world? Chaired by Fiona Lindsay.

Join Irvine Welsh and John Niven in conversation with Nicola Meighan for a live podcast recording of A Kick Up the Arts. Celebrating their latest novels, Welsh’s Men in Love and Niven’s The Fathers, this promises an unfiltered, provocative, and darkly funny dive into masculinity, family, and the messy truth of modern life. Expect laughs, sharp takes, literary fireworks and adult language. 

Suitable for 18+ only.

Amanda Barrie’s long-awaited autobiography has shone a light on her extraordinary journey, from childhood during wartime to her rise as a star of stage and screen and a household name. Join Amanda as she shares behind-the-scenes stories of Coronation Street, Carry On films, and Big Brother, alongside deeply personal reflections. She recalls her early days as a runaway showgirl, the challenges of hiding her sexuality, and the joy of finding love with her wife, crime novelist Hilary Bonner. Her first great theatre break took place on stage in Glasgow, a city that has remained close to her heart and she will talk of the joy of her recent return.

The last day of the St Andrew’s Book Festival begins by celebrating a week of wonderful encounters. The joint congregations of St Columba’s, Pont Street and Crown Court Church of Scotland invite you to a service of celebration, giving thanks for the gift of authors, readers and the pleasure and power of books. In the 1880’s when the congregation of St Columba’s was established, the first group to be founded was the Literary Society. Over a hundred years later our community will be delighted to welcome all who share the love of books – whatever your tradition of prayer, or none, we will be glad to see you. Reverend John Bell, author of And Then She Said is guest preacher.

Free, all welcome - no need to book.

Lunch - Please Book

After the service a 2 course lunch will be available for £5 in the Church's Lower Hall. Payment will be taken on the day but if you would like to stay for lunch please book your tickets.

Rhidian Brook and Reverend John Bell reflect on the place of faith in their lives and work. Brook’s storytelling blends doubt, belief and the search for meaning, while Bell’s hymns and reflections root spirituality in everyday experience. Both reveal how faith shapes identity, community and imagination, offering wisdom, honesty and lyrical insight into life’s deepest questions. Chaired by Rhoda Macdonald.

Andrew Barr is a writer, illustrator and map-maker from Edinburgh. He will be talking about his latest book, the beautiful Atlas of Scotland. He uses hand-drawn maps and illustrations to tell Scotland’s story, exploring in detail how Scotland was made, its history and culture, as well as its long standing as one of the ancient kingdoms of Europe. Chaired by Marcus Railton.

Join acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan, renowned for his work on The Polar Bear Family & Me and Big Cat Diary, talks to broadcaster Nicola Meighan about his memoir, In the Hide. Discover the incredible stories behind his daring adventures, the challenges of filming in the wild, and the moments that have defined his career. Having worked alongside Sir David Attenborough on various projects, Buchanan brings a wealth of experience and insight into the natural world. A fascinating conversation for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone inspired by the natural world.

Graeme Macrae Burnet, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2016 for his debut novel, His Bloody Project. Longlisted again in 2022 for Case Study, Burnet discusses his acclaimed novels that blur truth and fiction with dazzling ingenuity, crafting psychological thrillers that question memory, morality and storytelling itself. Join him for an exploration of character, narrative and the slippery boundaries between fact and invention. Chaired by Rhoda Macdonald.