Celebrate Hope: Book Week Scotland 2024 Ignites Inspiration across Scotland
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland 2024, returns from 18-24 November to uplift the country with its theme of Hope.
Article Source: Scottish Book Trust
Last Updated: 11 November 2024 10:59
This year’s programme offers unique perspectives on resilience, community, and the landscapes that define the region. Over the years, Book Week Scotland has deepened its impact across Scotland, delivering literary events to even the remotest locations and fostering connections in towns and communities.
The 2024 programme spotlights regional authors and local libraries as community cornerstones. 65,000 copies of a new free book, Scotland’s Stories: Hope, will be distributed during the week. It is made up of real-life stories from people across Scotland.
Book Week Scotland event highlights in Aberdeen and the North East:
• A Close-Knit Conversation with Jenny Colgan, Central Library, Aberdeen, 18 November – Join bestselling author Jenny Colgan in a heartfelt discussion about hope and community.
• The Bridge Between Worlds with Gavin Francis, Central Library, Aberdeen, 20 November – An insightful talk exploring cultural and literal bridges in literature, connecting global and local perspectives.
• Interesting Times with Maggie Craig, Orb’s Community Bookshop, Huntly, 23 November – Popular historian Maggie Craig will delve into the intricate tapestry of Scottish history and how hope has played a role through challenging times.
Book Week Scotland event highlights in Highland and Islands:
• Cove and Kilcreggan Book Festival, Cove Burgh Hall, 23-24 November—This annual festival celebrates local and national authors and offers a weekend of book signings, storytelling sessions, and discussions.
• James Oswald, Dunoon Library, 23 November – James Oswald will share insights into his writing journey, exploring the themes of hope and resilience in his popular crime novels.
• Forensic Facts Meets Forensic Fiction with Lin Anderson, Campbeltown Library, 20 November – Crime author Lin Anderson teams up with forensic experts to explore the interplay between fact and fiction in crime writing.
Book Week Scotland event highlights in Tayside, Central, and Fife:
• Meet the Author: Mary Craig, Speirs Centre, Falkirk, 21 November. This is a chance to meet the local historian Mary Craig as she shares insights from her work and invites reflections on the hopeful stories embedded in Scottish history.
• David Meldrum Lowe, Speirs Centre, Falkirk, 18 November – Join David Meldrum Lowe for a literary discussion that connects readers through shared stories and local history.
• Dunfermline Mini-Con, Kingsgate Shopping Centre, 23 November – This family-friendly event brings the excitement of books, comics, and pop culture to Dunfermline, inviting attendees of all ages to explore the joy of reading.
• Creative Writing Workshop with Kirsty Gunn, Tayport, 21 November – A hands-on writing workshop led by esteemed author Kirsty Gunn, encouraging attendees to explore their hopeful narratives.
Book Week Scotland event highlights in Edinburgh and the Lothians:
• Landscapes of Hope and Inspiration, Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 18 November—This event will bring together visual artist Julie Brook, writer Linda Cracknell, and musician Duncan Chisholm to discuss how Scotland’s landscapes inspire and provide hope.
• The Pleasures of Reading with Jackie Kay, Portobello Bookshop, 20 November – Jackie Kay shares the books that have inspired her, joined by Dr Sarah McGeown to explore the benefits of reading for pleasure.
• Various Author Events Across Edinburgh and East Lothian – Libraries and regional community centres will host readings, discussions, and family events celebrating the joy of reading.
Book Week Scotland even highlights in Glasgow and Strathclyde:
• Unwritten Women with Hannah Lavery, National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, 20 November—Poet and playwright Hannah Lavery examines the often-overlooked stories of women in Scottish literature.
• Born in Kyle: A Love Letter tae an Ayrshire Childhood with Billy Kay, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Ayrshire, 20 November – Billy Kay shares stories from his childhood, showcasing the power of memory and hope.
Book Week Scotland event highlights in the Borders:
• New Scots: Old and New Connections with Sawsan Al-Areeqe and Iyad Hayatleh, Catstrand, Castle Douglas, 23 November—This conversation bridges old and new perspectives, inviting attendees to explore hope in the context of migration and cultural connection.
• Various Community Events Across the Scottish Borders—Local libraries and centres will host readings, discussions, and workshops, welcoming readers of all ages.
Scottish Book Trust invites everyone to join the #BookWeekScotland conversation and find further information and event listings at www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched
PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials
The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Introducing The Kithmore: St Andrews New Boutique Hotel
The Marram Collection today announced that the Ardgowan Hotel on Playfair Terrace, St Andrews will be renamed The Kithmore, following an extensive £7.5 million transformation.
READ MORE
A chance to play in charity pro am golf tournament with some Scottish PGA professionals
Scotscraig Golf Club is “teeing” up a charity pro-am tournament for The Archie Foundation, that will give golfers the chance to play alongside the country’s leading professional golfers.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
New work premiering at the East Neuk Festival
This year, to celebrate its landmark 20th anniversary, the East Neuk Festival has commissioned four new pieces of work which will premiere this week.
READ MORE
Sixty artists open their studios to public for Largo Arts Week
Sixty artists open their studios to public as summer festival kicks off in Fife’s “Robinson Crusoe” village of Lower Largo.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Jazz artist Euan Stevenson to close eclectic weekend of live gigs at East Neuk Festival
Scottish pianist, composer and arranger Euan Stevenson returns to East Neuk Festival next month for an afternoon performance of jazz classics.
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links