This year, as the clocks go back and the nights draw in, Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival (27-29 October 2011) explores the phenomenon and tradition of Second Sight and the supernatural.

Featuring storytellers, artists, writers, poets, cultural commentators, historians, tradition-bearers, theatre, film and music, topics include Buisneachd (witchcraft: also an exhibition on this theme), Haunted Wings (music from Iain Morrison and Daibhidh Martin), Oidhche Shamhna (Masked Halloween Ball), M.R. James, mystery and the Gaelic Otherworld explored by Dr Margaret Bennett, Sheila Stewart, Dr John Macinnes, Norman Maclean, Calum Ferguson and Dolina Maclennan.

Faclan are delighted that former Chancellor Alistair Darling will headline on Friday night introducing his book Back from the Brink; a major publishing event that documents 1,000 days of the world financial crisis. To many of us, the workings of the financial markets can seem otherworldly and mysterious. This will show it was frightening too.

The schools programme – Sradagan:Sparks – will introduce children, to authors of the mysterious and uncanny. Sessions will be held at an Lanntair and school libraries to encourage imaginative development and creative writing. There will be a focus on oral family history (strange or ghostly stories that have been experienced or handed-down, and shared aloud with peers in groups or classes).

For more information visit www.faclan.org

Source: Faclan