Kirkcudbright Book Week writing its own chapter in Galloway’s literary scene

It’s World Book Day today – and Kirkcudbright Book Week is writing its own chapter in Galloway’s literary scene.

The festival, which opened on Monday and concludes on Sunday, is featuring around 40 professional and aspiring authors at venues across the town.

Many of the 20 events are sold out and continue today with free World Book Day events for young readers at Kirkcudbright Library on Daar Road.

Gatehouse-based author Susi Briggs will launch her new children’s book in Scots, Yum!, with Dalbeattie author and storyteller Heather Taylor presenting her adaptation of Susi’s book later in the day.

She said: “The event will explore the richness of the Scots language as we bring the tale to life. It’s designed to cater to a diverse audience and it’s ideal for children and adults with additional support needs and learning disabilities.

“Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone can partake in the magic of Yum! in a welcoming environment.“

Book Week co-organiser Gerry Hassan is delighted with proceedings so far – and is looking forward to the rest of the programme.

He said: “What is really nice is that we are not on the scale of some of the bigger book festivals.

“We have a lot of emerging as well as established writers and I think that’s a nice mixture.

“We have a social event on Sunday just to say thank you to all the authors and volunteers for doing the back-up. And we already planning how to grow book week – but not too much.

“There’s a niceness and intimacy in running something on this scale.”

Kirkcudbright Book Week continues until Sunday with talks, recitals, meet-the-author sessions and book launches.

It features genres ranging from poetry, short stories, novels and general non-fiction to children’s books, crime fiction, romantic fiction, historical fiction/non-fiction and memoir.

More information is available by visiting www.kirkcudbrightbookweek.org