Scottish Book Trust have adopted their very own phonebox on the Royal Mile to mark Book Week Scotland’s 2019 theme of conversation. Frank Quitely, pictured with Superman (SCosplay) and copies of Blether.

Book Week Scotland, the country’s biggest celebration of reading and writing, returns for its eight year with hundreds of events taking place all over Scotland from intimate community gatherings to flagship events with well-loved authors.

A special book, Blether, created from real-life stories submitted by members of the public was also unveiled.

Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, will deliver a diverse range of events and activities, many tying in with the Year of Conversation, including the Digital Festival with free events that can be accessed online by all.

100,000 free copies of the Blether book, celebrating the theme of conversation, will be available from libraries and other community venues during Book Week Scotland.

The free book can also be ordered via Scottish Book Trust’s website, which features each and every personal story submitted by the people of Scotland. A selection of 30 stories are featured in the book, which also includes work from Still Game actor Jane McCarry; Hings author Chris McQueer, The Boxer author Nikesh Shukla and Bird Summons author Leila Aboulela.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:

 “Book Week Scotland brings people of all ages and walks of life together to share and enjoy books; it is a week of books and reading for everyone. We have an exciting range of inspiring, unusual and accessible events with a diverse mix of authors, writers and illustrators.

“This year we are celebrating the theme of conversation in all its forms, from a wee blether to the life changing heart-to-heart. We hope you can join us at a local Book Week Scotland event, or online through our Digital Festival.”

During Book Week Scotland there are hundreds of free events taking place across many different local authorities, funded by Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

Events happening in Orkney include:

Dialogues with the Future: Dystopias and Hopes

Wednesday 20 November, 19:00-21:00

Orkney College, East Road 

UHI Creative Writing is proud to present two up-and-coming Orkney authors, Harry Josephine Giles and Shaun Gardiner, in conversation this Book Week Scotland. Harry Josephine Giles (Drone) and Shaun Gardiner (The Boy with Nails for Eyes) will meet to talk about writing, present and future, trans-being, peace, dystopia and hope, and transcending traditional formats into performance poetry and the graphic novel. Free event, no ticket required.

Down to the Sea with Sue Lawrence

Thursday 21 November, 14:00-15:00

Orkney Library and Archive, 44 Junction Road

Sue will discuss her latest fiction title, Down to the Sea, her writing inspirations and her own favourite reads. Free event, no ticket required.

Island Tasters

Thursday 21 November, 19:00-20:00

Orkney Library and Archive, 44 Junction Road

Sue Lawrence will be in conversation with fellow food writer Rosemary Moon to discuss Sue’s latest cookbook – A Taste of Scotland’s Islands. Rosemary will provide tasters from the Orkney recipes in Sue’s book and together they will discuss our wealth of wonderful local ingredients. Ticketed event.

Mairi Kidd, Head of Literature, Languages & Publishing, Creative Scotland said:

 “From the Gruffalo to gardening and crime to cookery, there’s something for everyone in Book Week Scotland. There are so many ways to get involved – online or in venues across the country, from telephone boxes to local libraries, where you’ll find books in English, Gaelic, Scots and other languages as well as audio books, e-books, braille books and more.

“With a huge range of partners across the length and breadth of Scotland hosting an incredible programme of events, we hope the whole country has a blast blethering about books and stories.”

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of The Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) said:

“Libraries across Scotland will be joining in the Book Week Scotland celebrations, meaning everyone has the opportunity to get involved. Libraries offer the perfect place to celebrate the joy of reading and, with a range of digital resources available, people can use their local library to get involved in the Digital Festival. In keeping with the Year of Conversation, libraries are trusted spaces where people can connect with others and engage in new experiences. Get along to your local library and get involved.”

Book Week Scotland also features a fundraising initiative, Big Book Swap, to support Scottish Book Trust.  Join hundreds of schools, workplaces and community groups on Friday 22 November to swap books and raise money to help Scottish Book Trust to continue to support people in Scotland to reach their potential through reading and writing. To sign up and receive your free fundraising guide, visit Big Book Swap.

The Book Week Scotland 2019 programme is available to view in full here.