Nicola Sturgeon, Jeremy Corbyn Join Major Scottish Book Festivals

The 2025 Wigtown Book Festival, held in Scotland’s National Book Town, will feature a diverse lineup of over 200 events from September 26 to October 5, attracting around 26,000 visitors. Notable attendees include former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who will discuss her new memoir 'Frankly' in conversation with Gavin Esler, and musicians such as Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie. Comedians Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill will close the festival with discussions about their wild swimming guide and television series. The festival also offers unique activities like wild swimming, night walks, garden saunas, and writing workshops, alongside talks from prominent figures such as former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and broadcasters Reeta Chakrabarti and Louise Minchin. Creative Director Adrian Turpin emphasized the event’s welcoming and curious atmosphere, highlighting its combination of famous names, emerging writers, and engaging storytelling. Despite its small population, Wigtown boasts 15 bookshops and a vibrant literary community, making the festival a significant cultural highlight in the region.