Fri 20 Feb
SCHOOL SESSIONS
Lindsay Littleson
10am & 11:30am | (age 5+)
Kelpies Prize winner reads The Titanic Detective Agency and Secrets of the Last Merfolk, with Q&A and Titanic-themed creative writing workshop.
Gaelic Schools Session
11am | (age 8+)
Translator Gillebrìde Mac’IlleMhaoil reads Cù Giobach, then leads a ‘doggy’-themed character creation workshop.
Ely Percy | 1pm & 2:30pm | (age 16+)
Award-winning writer Ely Percy discusses their writing journey, reads from Duck Feet, followed by Q&A.
Justin Currie | 5pm
Del Amitri founder discusses The Tremolo Diaries, a candid, witty memoir of music and Parkinson’s.
Chaired by Paul English.
Damian Barr | 7pm
Host of The Big Scottish Book Club discusses The Two Roberts, his novel inspired by artists Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde.
Chaired by Gavin Mitchell.
Sat 21 Feb
Ross Collins | 11am
MacMillan Prize-winning author-illustrator leads an interactive children’s picture book illustration session.
Double bill chaired by Jane McCarry
The Hebridean Baker | 2pm
Coinneach MacLeod shares island stories, recipes, and songs in a warm Scottish gathering. &
Peter MacQueen | 3:30pm
BBC Alba presenter discusses Tails of Scotland, celebrating Scottish heritage and our four-legged friends.
Scottish Women in Writing | 7pm
Denise Mina, Louise Welsh, and Kirsty Logan read and discuss their work. Chaired by BBC Arts Correspondent Pauline McLean.
TICKETS £2 – £5 + fees
For tickets and full weekend line up visit: beaconartscentre.co.uk | 01475 723723
Sun 22 Feb
Raymond Burke | 11am
Herald McCash Scots Poetry winner discusses The Metaphoric Manual, a lively guide to figures of speech.
Creative Recovery – Turning a Page | 12:30pm
Readings from the Beacon’s creative recovery writing group.
Creative Writing Workshops
10am–12 noon & 12 noon–2pm
Local poet Laurie Donaldson leads two interactive sessions: An Introduction to Poetry: Rhyme and Reason (10am - 12 noon) and An Introduction to Creative Writing: Unleash Your Story (12 noon - 2pm).
Anne Pettigrew | 2:30pm
Inverclyde Author and ex-GP explores reading and writing for wellbeing and pleasure.
Ken MacLeod | 4pm
Award-winning Gourock author reads from Beyond the Hallowed Sky, first in his Lightspeed Trilogy. Chaired by Paul English.
Christopher Brookmyre | 5:30pm
Bestselling Scottish crime writer discusses The Cracked Mirror with Alistair Braidwood (Scots Whay Hae!).
The Bookshop Band | 7pm | Tickets £12/£10 conc
Award-winning folk duo perform songs inspired by books, born from Mr B’s Emporium bookshop collaboration.
