Events Programme 2026

Join former sports writer Gordon Simpson as he talks to Clark McGinn about his gripping new thriller, Four Deadly Swings, set in the unseen, veal world of professional golf. A tale of rivalry, ambition and murder, with a jaw-dropping finale. 

Ticket price includes a glass of wine on arrival.

Robert Peston is ITV’s Political Editor, presenter of the politics show Peston and the podcast The Rest is Money, and founder of the education charity Speakers for Schools. Before that he was Business Editor then Economics Editor for BBC News and played a central role in coverage of the banking crisis of 2007-2009.  Robert has won more than 30 awards for his journalism. The final book in his trilogy of political thrillers The Kill Switch was published in July this year. He’s in conversation with Hugh Pym.

£15 includes a welcome drink / or £18 which includes a welcome drink and a copy of The Kill Switch.

Showcasing some of the best new Scottish writers, we are delighted to welcome four super talented debut authors to the festival. Mhairi Collie, a consultant surgeon, has written The Bright Fabric of Life, a story filled with romance, medical drama and an interest in the plight of women in Africa, as well as in the psyche of the female surgeon. Avril Millar, engineer, teacher, CEO and author of Feral, the result of a lifetime working inside the system, and the wisdom to make it irrelevant. Christina Riley, an underwater artist in residence at the Argyll Coast Hope Spot, has drawn on her experiences there to write Looking Down at the Stars, a collection of mesmerising essays. And Kirsty Lockwood, a former political journalist, and one of the Young Women Scotland 30 Inspirational Women Under 30 Award winners, has written a tense psychological thriller, We Know What You Did, featuring a murder during a livestream of a podcast. Four remarkable women, with Alice Clark-Platts, interviewing them.

From battles and kingdoms to identity and nationhood, leading historians Murray Pittock (The Shortest History of Scotland) and Brian Groom (These Isles) explore Scotland's remarkable past. In conversation with Hugo Rifkind, they uncover the people, events and ideas that have shaped Scotland over centuries, offering fresh perspectives on the country's rich, complex and enduring history.

Join Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean as they recount their record-breaking 9,750-mile row across the Pacific Ocean. Filled with extraordinary footage, humour and hard-won insights, this inspiring event explores resilience, brotherhood and purpose, revealing how three ordinary brothers achieved the extraordinary while raising over £1 million for clean water projects. In conversation with Rory Lawson.

Join Chris Brookmyre (Quite Ugly One Evening) and Frances Crawford (A Bad, Bad Place) for a thrilling conversation about crime, community and the enduring appeal of mystery. From Glasgow's streets to the middle of the Atlantic, their gripping new novels explore secrets, justice and unforgettable characters, revealing how place shapes both crime and those determined to solve it. Chaired by Hugo Rifkind.

Join Brian Beacom as he explores the extraordinary life of entertainment legend Stanley Baxter. Drawing on the first authorised biography, this conversation with Marcus Railton uncovers the triumphs, struggles and contradictions behind one of Britain's most beloved performers, from Glasgow beginnings to television stardom, with wit, warmth and remarkable candour.

One of Britain’s best-loved broadcasters, Carol Kirkwood has been brightening mornings for millions as the much-loved weather presenter on BBC Breakfast. She’s also a bestselling novelist, delighting readers with her warm, uplifting stories. Join Carol for a wonderfully entertaining Literary Lunch packed with laughter, lively conversation and fascinating tales from her broadcasting career and writing life. Chaired by Nicola Meighan.

Three of Scotland’s most distinctive poetic voices come together for a vibrant celebration of spoken word, storytelling and performance. Former Makar Jackie Kay (May Day), award-winning poet and social media sensation Len Pennie (Poyums Annaw), and acclaimed poet, playwright and performer Hannah Lavery (Everything Everyday) share powerful, moving and often joyful work, exploring identity, language, place and the stories that connect us all. Chaired by Fiona Lindsay.

Alan Johnson joins musician and writer Colin MacIntyre for a warm, entertaining conversation celebrating the Mull Historical Society. They’ll explore the story behind the acclaimed album featuring Alan, the friendship that inspired the collaboration, and the shared threads of music, memory and storytelling that connect two remarkable creative lives. Expect song, wit, warmth and plenty of fascinating behind-the-scenes insights. Chaired by Nicola Meighan.

Start your weekend the right way with your host , Radio 4's Paddy O'Connell, Labour Peer and Times Radio broadcaster Ayesha Hazarika, Traitors star and author Harriet Tyce, and author Andrew Lownie as they run through the Saturday papers and pick out the stories that matter — and the ones that really don’t but make you smile anyway. From politics and Westminster gossip to culture, books, columnists, curious headlines and the small stories that somehow capture the mood of the week, here is an entertaining guide to what everyone will be talking about over the weekend. 

Discover the bold, brilliant world of the Scottish Colourists with art historian Alice Strang in this fascinating event. Discussing the lives, friendships and vibrant works of this groundbreaking group, and learn how they transformed Scottish art in the early 20th century. Chaired by Fiona Lindsay.

Join Professor Lady Sue Black, one of the world’s foremost forensic scientists, in conversation with acclaimed crime writer Val McDermid. Drawing on her new book An Expert Witness, Sue explores forensic science, justice and the courtroom, revealing how evidence can convict, exonerate—or fail—with profound consequences for us all.

Join The Traitors star and bestselling author Harriet Tyce, whose new thriller Witch Trial explores a sensational Edinburgh murder case, alongside award-winning crime writer Louise Welsh, discussing The Cut Up. In conversation with Marcus Railton, they delve into justice, deception, suspense and the dark corners of human nature that inspire their unforgettable fiction.

Join bestselling royal biographer Andrew Lownie as he discusses the ever-evolving story behind Entitled, his explosive investigation into Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. Drawing on years of research and exclusive interviews, Andrew explores power, privilege, scandal and the monarchy, revealing how reputations are built, protected and continually reshaped.

Join bestselling crime writer Val McDermid and Geographer Royal for Scotland Jo Sharp in conversation with Nicola Meighan about This Door of the Seas, their contribution to the acclaimed Darkland Tales series, in which leading Scottish writers reimagine defining moments in the nation’s past. Together they explore the ill-fated Darien scheme – a tale of ambition, adventure, catastrophe and the moment that changed the nation forever.

Join actor and national treasure Bill Paterson as he discusses Tales from the Back Green, his evocative memoir of growing up in 1950’s Glasgow. With warmth, wit and nostalgia, he recalls the characters, communities and changing city that shaped his childhood and remarkable five-decade career. Chaired by Fiona Lindsay.

Join bestselling espionage writers Charles Cumming and David Goodman in conversation with Nicola Meighan about their latest thrillers, Icarus 17 and Solitary Agents. From covert operations and double agents to shifting global alliances, discover how two masters of spy fiction turn today’s geopolitical tensions into gripping, edge-of-your-seat novels.

Join historian and broadcaster Gareth Russell in conversation with Fiona Lindsay about Queen James, his acclaimed new biography of James VI and I. Exploring the king’s six great loves, political intrigue and turbulent reign, Russell reveals a bold, witty and deeply human portrait that challenges centuries of royal history.

Scots have always been proud of the part our great thinkers - Adam Smith, David Hume, Robbie Burns - played in the Enlightenment. The promise was that the more reliable information we have the more ‘enlightened’ the world would be. But in the 21st century Information Age is the opposite now the case? Author and broadcaster Gavin Esler explores our Un-Enlightenment, the deluge of often unreliable information that engulfs us and keeps us uninformed. 

Join whisky writer Ian Buxton in conversation with Marcus Railton as he celebrates the new edition of Whiskies Galore. Journey through Scotland’s island distilleries, discovering remarkable drams, colourful characters and unforgettable adventures. Along the way, enjoy the chance to sample a tot of whisky and raise a glass to Scotland’s island spirits.

Join acclaimed poet, writer and songwriter Marcas Mac an Tuairneir for a unique evening of poetry, conversation and live music. Exploring Gaelic language, Scottish and LGBTQ+ identity, resilience and belonging, Marcas discusses his journey as an English-born Gaelic learner. Featuring musical settings of his poetry and a performance by The London Gaelic Choir.

The last day of the London St Andrew’s Book Festival begins by celebrating a week of wonderful encounters. The joint congregations of St Columba’s, Pont Street and Crown Court Church of Scotland invite you to a service of celebration, giving thanks for the gift of authors, readers and the pleasure and power of books.  In the 1880’s when the congregation of St Columba’s was established, the first group to be founded was the Literary Society. Over a hundred years later our community will be delighted to welcome all who share the love of books – whatever your tradition of prayer, or none, we will be glad to see you. The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend Gordon Kennedy is guest preacher.

Join poet and broadcaster Kenneth Steven in conversation with the Rev. Angus MacLeod as they explore Atoms of Delight, a moving reflection on pilgrimage, faith and the wild landscapes of Scotland. Through journeys across Iona and the Highlands, Kenneth reveals how nature, storytelling and Celtic spirituality have shaped both his writing and his life.