Authors appearing at Paisley Book Festival have spoken of their excitement ahead of this weekend’s event.
People from across Renfrewshire and throughout the country will travel into town this weekend – with a programme which features discussion and insight on a string of new releases.
Centered around the theme The Lives We Live, this year’s three-day festival – from Friday until Sunday (April 25-27) – will delve into the competing ideas about life in today’s complicated world, tackling issues of the day and celebrating the good things that bring joy.
Showcasing a talented array of writers, poets and storytellers, the festival considers concepts such as home and identity, travel, love and work, drawing inspiration from Paisley’s rich, creative history – and celebrating the distinct personal experiences which shape superb Scottish writing and storytelling.
Trainspotting creator Irvine Welsh, Belle and Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch, Glasgow writer Chris McQueer, and stalwart of contemporary British fiction, A L Kennedy are among those appearing.
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Others include Ayrshire author and broadcaster Billy Kay, who will share his life-shaping experience of growing up in the region at Paisley Book Festival.
The Scots language champion’s early life and influences from the Irvine Valley form the backdrop of his new book, Born in Kyle: A Love Letter Tae an Ayrshire Childhood.
It will be introduced during From Boy to Man, an insightful festival session on Saturday during which memories of growing up and going to work in the west of Scotland.
Kay is looking forward to appearing at the festival, highlighting the social and cultural connections between Renfrewshire and Ayrshire.
He said: “Having made radio documentaries on the rich history of Paisley, I’m delighted to be given the chance to share my book about an Ayrshire childhood with so many Paisley Buddies.
“Renfrewshire and Ayrshire speak the same dialect of Scots, so my stories will resonate with the people there and help revive and enrich their ain dear mither tongue.
“But, even if ye dinnae hae a guid Scots tongue in yer heid, I promise that my sense of humour will get through to you.”
Read more: The inspiration behind Paisley Book Festival’s theme
The links between music and storytelling will be celebrated throughout the weekend, including when folk singer-songwriter-turned-author James Yorkston and Malachy Tallack, a writer-turned-musician will join broadcaster and journalist Nicola Meighan in a special session as part of, The Writer’s Playlist strand.
Both will discuss their latest releases and the crossovers between writing and music on Saturday.
Celebrated Fence Collective founder member James will introduce his third novel, Tommy the Bruce, which follows the tale of a bedraggled hotel owner in Perthshire who faces unexpected ghosts in the guise of a new friend.
He said: “I am looking forward to chatting about Tommy the Bruce with Nicola Meighan, who I haven’t seen for a few years, meeting Malachy for the first time and perhaps staying on afterwards to see my old pal Vic Galloway. A day of lovely company. And books!”
In That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz, which is accompanied by a new album of original songs, Malachy returns to his native Shetland to explore the life of a lonesome man whose fire for country music has burned amidst an otherwise unfulfilling life.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s Paisley Book Festival, and to have the chance to talk about my novel That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz.
“The relationship between fiction and music, for me, is a fascinating one, and I can’t wait to discuss it with James and Nicola.”
Other festival highlights include an inspirational schools programme and free family fun events.
Paisley Book Festival is organised by OneRen and supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
