Rebus writer top of book fest bill

Jun 17 2009 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Wednesday

ONE of Scotland’s most successful authors heads the bill for this year’s Off the Page book festival.

Inspector Rebus creator Ian Rankin leads the way in a packed programme of readings, discussions and workshops planned by Stirling Libraries.

Service development librarian Steve Dolman admitted the writer’s agreement to come followed “four years of chasing him”.

He said: “At last our timetable appears to fit in with his plans and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming him to Stirling for what we fully expect will be one of our most popular meet the author events ever”.

This year’s festival will take place from September 12-20.

While there are still “one or two Is to be dotted and Ts to be crossed”, according to Steve, it seems likely that Stirling can look forward to visits by more than 20 authors this autumn, appealing to all ages and tastes.

And the library service is keen to point out that when it talks about Stirling’s book festival it means much more than just the city itself.

“Nearly all of the main events will be held at the Tolbooth in Stirling,” said Steve, “but we also do our best to ensure that as many of the communities as possible within the Stirling Council area also host at least one event.

“For example we have Laura Marney, one of the best regarded of the ‘chick lit’ authors, doing two events for us, one in Callander and another in Fallin.

“We also have events in Killin and Strathblane and many others in between.”

Other big names on the list include crime writer Karen Campbell, a former policewoman described in some quarters as “the new Ian Rankin”, and for younger readers Jeremy Strong and Karen McCombie.

“It’s not all about authors just reading from their work and answering questions, though,” said Steve.

“Local group Theatre Broad are treading the boards for the festival for the second year in a row.

“Following their sell-out success at the Cowane Centre last year they will be at the Albert Halls this time, performing three small plays by JM Barrie.

“Stirling makar Magi Gibson will also be hosting an open mic poetry event at the Tolbooth and we have a healthy eating event, a Big Book Exchange, and a speed reading event – like speed dating, where you have a very short space of time to tell people about a book you have read”.

Sponsored by the Scottish Arts Council, the Off the Page book festival has grown rapidly over the past four years, enjoying a combined audience for all events last year of around 2200.

The official programme will be launched in August.