As The Borders Book Festival flings open its gates this week (Thursday 12 June) festival-goers are in exceptional company under canvas: renowned traveller, documentary maker, author and comedian Michael Palin recounts stories of adventure, family and change from his latest diaries; and gifted natural history cameraman Gordon Buchanan shares the moving story of his life, including his troubled childhood and how nature ultimately helped him to heal.
The Borders Book Festival, image by Lloyd Smith.
The four-day extravaganza of storytelling, supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, takes place this weekend, from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 June, in Melrose’s Harmony Garden, in the Scottish Borders, and will include well-known names from the worlds of fiction, hit television shows, politics and current affairs, food and drink, plus a history programme honouring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. The Family Festival, sponsored by Blackport Investments, also has children’s favourites galore over Saturday and Sunday, with activities for the whole family to enjoy together.
Amongst the packed programme, particular gems include: stars of BBC hit comedy Gavin & Stacey, Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb, both with new books; acclaimed documentary maker Stacey Dooley with her moving take on motherhood; Hairy Biker Si King, as he roars back to Melrose for another helping; queens of the BBC Kirsty Wark and Sally Magnusson in a not-to-be-missed look back over their decades at the helms of flagship news programmes Newsnight and Reporting Scotland; politicians now free of the shackles of government, Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove; Scottish First Minister John Swinney on the books that have shaped his life; World War Two historian and commentator James Holland; current affairs insiders James Naughtie, Andrew Marr and Gavin Esler looking at what might really be happening in our world in 2025; and Tanni Grey-Thompson and Sammi Kinghorn share with Louise Minchin the challenges, triumphs and determination that shaped their sporting journeys. For foodie fans there is Coinneach MacLeod – AKA The Hebridean Baker -- and Channel 4’s Suzanne Mulholland – AKA The Batch Lady.
For fans of historical fiction, the book festival also sees the annual announcement, live on stage, of the prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, with six shortlisted literary talents in the running for the £25,000 prize. Literary sensation Andrew O’Hagan will also be at the festival this year, as will crime-writing dazzlers Ian Rankin and Ambrose Parry.
In this 80th year since the end of World War Two, the book festival is delighted to present an exclusive event, The Secret Listeners, telling the amazing story of Britain’s Voluntary Interceptors, a highly secret group who monitored the coded radio traffic of German intelligence and sent what they heard to Bletchley Park, enabling the vital Ultra signals intelligence. Sworn to the Official Secrets Act, these silent warriors on the Home Front all over Britain were not allowed to tell their story. Until now. Alistair Moffat will talk to Bruce McCartney, who has uncovered many of these extraordinary accounts, some from right here in the Borders.
Festival Director, Alistair Moffat, said: “We are delighted to be throwing open the glorious Harmony Garden again this year, and we have packed the marquees with unmissable events that will keep audiences talking and thinking long after they head home.
“From incredible stories of personal resilience, determination and courage to tales of wartime struggle that are so poignant and which demand to be told; from political insider gossip and speculation to serious discussion over the current state of our world and what might be next; from recollections of television and radio careers past to those very much still in full flow; there is something here for everybody.
“And hey, the sun will shine brightly and constantly – but we do have our brand new transparent canopy for The Orchard – our tented food village -- just in case!
“The Borders Book Festival on a long, sunny June day is just magical – our own slice of heaven for the whole family to enjoy.”
The Family Festival takes place throughout the day on the Saturday and Sunday (14 and 15 June) and includes, among so many others: the inimitable Elle McNicoll; former Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho; Catherine Rayner celebrating 20 years of Augustus & His Smile; colouring fun with Eilidh Muldoon; and festival favourites Vivian French, Alan Windram and Tom Morgan-Jones.
The Orchard tented food village, adjacent to Harmony Garden, hosts live music and free, fun activities for the whole family, making the Borders Book Festival a fantastic day out for the entire family
The Borders Book Festival is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact by implementing a number of net zero goals including: zero waste to landfill; e-ticketing and a donation to planting trees for every ticket purchased.
Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland said: “Borders Book Festival once again transforms Melrose into a haven for book lovers, welcoming a stellar lineup of writers to inspire, entertain, and spark imaginations. With a special focus on young readers, the festival champions the joy of reading through dynamic events featuring top-tier authors and illustrators like Elle McNicoll and former Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho. Whether you’re eager to meet your literary heroes or discover fresh voices to add to your reading list, this is the perfect chance for book enthusiasts across the Scottish Borders to immerse themselves in storytelling at its finest.”
Tickets available at www.bordersbookfestival.org or by calling 0131 290 2112 and from the Book Festival Box Office on the day subject to availability.
Background
The Borders Book Festival takes place in Harmony Garden, Melrose in the Scottish Borders, from Thursday 12 June to Sunday 15 June 2025. The full programme is available at www.bordersbookfestival.org. Tickets can be purchased from Citizen Ticket, at www.bordersbookfestival.org or by calling 0131 290 2112.
The book festival is delighted to welcome new sponsors, David Young, Blackport Investments and Graham & Sibbald, as well as the continued support of Adam & Company, Cullen Kilshaw, The Borders Distillery, Davidson Chalmers Stewart, Corney & Barrow, Borders Forest Trust, Clelands Volvo, JRW Hogg & Thorburn, Knight Frank, Thomson Roddick Auctioneers and Lochcarron of Scotland. The book festival is grateful too for the on-going funding of Scottish Borders Council, and The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, in addition to other loyal supporters including The Hugh Fraser Foundation, the Doctor David Summers Charitable Trust and The Turtleton Charitable Trust.
Adam & Company, the specialist Scottish wealth manager offers clients bespoke, long-term wealth management solutions, building trusted relationships that deliver results over generations. The firm combines a global investment outlook with independent financial planning advice, all accessible face-to-face through Scottish-based wealth managers.
Since joining Canaccord Wealth in 2021, Adam & Company has established itself as a dedicated wealth manager. With Canaccord Wealth’s recent acquisition of Intelligent Capital, Adam & Company also has a Glasgow based office in addition to its Edinburgh HQ.
The rich heritage of Adam & Company, founded in 1983, is rooted in the firm's connection to famous Scottish enlightenment scholar Adam Smith. Adam & Company no longer offers banking services.
David Young Leadership and Executive Development
As a leadership and executive development coach, David Young provides one to one and team coaching at senior levels within a wide variety of industries. David supports organisations to grow mature leaders, driving ever higher levels of performance. Creating better leaders and better workplaces.
Blackport Investments is a Melrose-based property investment company founded in April 2023 by local entrepreneurs Jamie and Karen Blackport. BI provides local accommodation solutions for Borders based families and seeks to support local community initiatives.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery, which, now in its 30th year, has supported over 14,600 projects with more than £501.9 million in funding through Creative Scotland and its predecessor, the Scottish Arts Council. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot.
Net Zero Goals: The Borders Book Festival is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact by implementing a number of net zero goals including: zero waste to landfill; e-ticketing and a donation to planting trees for every ticket purchased; no single use plastics on site; availability of water refill stations; sustainable travel initiatives including electric vehicles for author transport and festival goers actively encouraged to use public transport or cycle, with bike racks available on site; mains power used where possible, and biodiesel generators or lithium batteries utilised if not; as well as priority given to local contractors and suppliers to help minimise emissions.
This year’s Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction Shortlist is: THE HEART IN WINTER by Kevin Barry; THE MARE by Angharad Hampshire; THE BOOK OF DAYS by Francesca Kay; GLORIOUS EXPLOITS by Ferdia Lennon; THE LAND IN WINTER by Andrew Miller; and THE SAFEKEEP by Yael van der Wouden.
Media contact
For media enquiries about the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, contact Fiona Atherton on [email protected] or Rebecca Salt on [email protected]