Tag: Edinburgh International Book Festiival

Cabinet Secretary opens Edinburgh International Book Festival

Gala night explores this year’s theme Changing Your Mind

The 2026 Edinburgh International Book Festival opened last night with a special Opening Gala exploring this year’s theme, Changing Your Mind, which explores how ideas, beliefs and identities shift, and what it takes to change them.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan, opened the Book Festival, welcoming guests to more than two weeks of public events, conversations and cultural exchange in Edinburgh. 

Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic said: “As the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh has long demonstrated the importance the city places on ideas, creativity and international exchange. The Book Festival is one of the clearest expressions of that ambition. 

“The Scottish Government is delighted to be supporting, and enhancing, the Book Festival’s ambitions through Creative Scotland’s Multi Year Funding programme, Expo Funding and the Expanded Festivals Fund.

“We are especially excited to be working closely with the festival to support the Global Ink industry programme – bringing literary festival leaders from four continents to Scotland’s capital for a three-day international forum.

“With this year’s Book Festival theme a call to us all, I am delighted to open a programme that puts curiosity and open-mindedness at its heart.”

The gala, hosted by Jenny Niven, CEO and Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, featured newly commissioned writing, music and reflection from acclaimed writers including Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Graeme Armstrong, Anne Enright, Gavin Francis, Naomi Ishiguro and Jackie Kay, with original music from Aidan O’Rourke and Harben Kay.

Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Changing Your Mind isn’t just this year’s theme, it’s an invitation.

“Every one of these writers has, in their own way, made a case for staying curious and willing to be moved by a story, an argument, or a piece of music. That’s what tonight was about, and it’s what the next two weeks hold for our audiences.” 

Running from 15 – 30 August, this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival features more than 600 events with writers from 41 countries, creating one of the world’s most international gatherings of books, ideas and stories.

Through the theme Changing Your Mind, audiences will be invited to engage with new perspectives, challenge assumptions and take part in conversations that matter, while also getting a chance to hear their favourite authors live on stage. 

PICTURES: Chris Scott

Irvine Welsh to appear at childhood library as Paper Trails brings literary stars to Muirhouse

Val McDermid, Irvine Welsh and Joseph Coelho lead major free programme for North Edinburgh – including 100 free books for local children 

Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh will return to the Muirhouse library he visited as a child this February, as the Edinburgh International Book Festival brings some of Scotland’s biggest literary names directly into the heart of North Edinburgh. 

The programme – part of Paper Trails, a flagship initiative launched by Her Majesty Queen Camilla in 2025 – will see Val McDermid, Doug Johnstone, Claire Mitchell, Zoe Venditozzi, Maisie Chan and former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho OBE appear at North Edinburgh Arts and Muirhouse Library. All events are completely free to attend. 

Welsh’s appearance marks a significant homecoming for the globally renowned author, who will appear digitally to discuss his Edinburgh roots and literary career to young people sat in the same library that helped shape his love of reading decades ago. 

Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Libraries are where so many of us first fell in love with books, and they remain at the heart of our communities.

“Having Irvine Welsh return to the library that shaped him as a reader shows exactly why Paper Trails matters – these aren’t just buildings, they’re launchpads for imagination and possibility.

“At a time when literacy rates are declining and more than a quarter of older adults experience weekly loneliness, we’re committed to ensuring that world-class literature and creative experiences reach every neighbourhood, not just festival venues.

“This programme is about co-creating with communities, listening to local voices, and supporting libraries as the vital cultural hubs they’ve always been.” 

Irvine Welsh, novelist, short story writer, screenwriter and filmmaker, said: “I’m joining remotely, but it still feels like I’m back in the room that first lit the fuse for me.

“Muirhouse gave me a quiet seat, a friendly word and a shelf full of new worlds—that’s all it takes to set a life on a different course.

“It’s brilliant to see Paper Trails investing in these spaces so every young person here can feel that same jolt of inspiration.”  

Tony Stewart, Librarian at Muirhouse Library, said: “We see every day the impact and benefit for our users and the community, in having access to a safe and welcoming space filled books, activities and a team dedicated to helping in any way we can, and of course, a good book recommendation.

“We are very excited to be able to work with EIBF and Paper Trails to bring top class authors right to our community’s doorstep and provide some inspiration for any budding authors in the Muirhouse area, maybe even the next Irvine Welsh…” 

The February programme will distribute over 500 free books to children attending events with Maisie Chan and Joseph Coelho – part of the festival’s five-year commitment to supporting Edinburgh’s libraries as creative community hubs. 

Programme Highlights – February 2025 

Claire Mitchell & Zoe Venditozzi: How to Kill a Witch

Wed 4 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts 
 

A lively, provocative exploration of Scotland’s witch-trial history from the hosts of the popular Witches of Scotland podcast. Mitchell, one of Scotland’s leading lawyers, and Venditozzi uncover the brutal reality behind historical persecution. 

Val McDermid: Winter Crime

Monday 9 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts 
 

Scotland’s ‘Queen of Crime’ discusses her latest Karen Pirie thriller Silent Bones and her new memoir Winter. With over 18 million books sold worldwide, McDermid rarely appears in intimate community settings. 

Doug Johnstone: 20 Years in the Making

Wed 11 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts 
 

The bestselling crime writer reflects on two decades of literary success ahead of his landmark 20th novel. Johnstone’s Edinburgh-set thrillers have earned international acclaim and multiple award nominations. 

Irvine Welsh: Writing Edinburgh

Thurs 26 Feb, 6pm — Muirhouse Library 
 

A special remote appearance from the Trainspotting author, returning to the library he visited as a child. Welsh will discuss how Muirhouse and Edinburgh shaped his groundbreaking literary voice, followed by audience Q&A. 

Maisie Chan: Family Fun

Wed 18 Feb, 2–3pm — Muirhouse Library 
 

A half-term celebration of stories and creativity for families. Every child attending receives a free book to take home. 

Schools Event: Joseph Coelho OBE — Poetry Alive!

Wed 11 Feb, 10.30–11.15am — Muirhouse Library 
An energising poetry workshop from the former Children’s Laureate (2022-24). Local primary school pupils will receive free books and participate in creative writing activities. 

All events are free with advance booking recommended via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/muirhouse-library