A varied 2012 programme for adults includes two sessions with Liz Lochhead – one on her inspirations and role as Makar, and one on the influence of Burns on her work; Sue Lawrence of Masterchef fame championing Scotland’s produce; Geoff Holder on both Vampires and Stone Circles; Catherine Cherkawska on Gigha – God’s Island in fact and fiction; and local author Justin Ruthven-Tyers on his book Phoenix from the Ashes (Bloomsbury 2012), which tells how he and his wife built a boat and set off for seven years of adventure.

Children, from pre-school to teens have their own exciting programme with Linda Strachan, Joan Lennon, Vivian French, Keith Brumpton and Chae Strathie. There will be lots of interactive fun aimed at encouraging children to engage with books, as well as workshop sessions filled with tips on how to write their very own stories.