Authors from around Scotland are heading to Angus this weekend.
The Brechin Angus Bookfest will take place in the town’s Northern Hotel from Friday until Sunday.
And it will serve up a programme covering everything from children’s writing to the macabre history surrounding the witches of Angus.
Sarah Archibald launched the event in 2019.
Brechin on the map
She saw it as an opportunity to promote the wealth of writing talent in Angus and the rest of Scotland.
And she hopes it will be another way of putting Brechin on the map.
It went online in 2020 so Sarah is delighted writers and visitors are back in person.
“It’s a chance to meet the authors, listen to their journeys, inspirations and enjoy the end results of their writing,” she said.
Participating authors will visit local schools on Friday.
“In the evening, starting at 6.30pm, we have Suu Wighton telling the story of local witches and their fate, traditional musicians from the Caledonian and Joe Wishart from Montrose discussing his book of memoirs.”
There is renewed interest in the story of Scotland’s witches.
Earlier this year, a memorial to 14 Brechiners accused of 17th century witchcraft was unveiled beside the River South Esk.
“On Saturday, we have a variety of authors covering many genres discussing their books, signing and selling,” said Sarah.
The Northern will also host a poetry afternoon from 2pm to 4pm featuring Jo Gilbert and Andy Jackson.
In the evening, best-selling author Mark Bridgeman will present Trial by Jury, where the audience are the jury and have to decide the outcome.
Children’s activities
Sunday’s line-up includes tales from Montrose Air Station’s past, featuring Margaret Bowman, Gaye Manwaring & Forbes Inglis.
“On Sunday evening we are having an awards evening for all the school competition winners and that is also open to the public,” Sarah added.
“There will be storytelling by Carasine Roberts, a family quiz and fancy dress competition for children to come as their favourite book character.
“Also running over the weekend is a book hunt for younger children in Edzell, Brechin and Montrose as well as Brechin shops window displays.”
More details and tickets are available at brechin.angusbf@gmail.com or from the Brechin/Angus Bookfest Facebook page.
