61 h. ago Lanarkshire musician's Makaton choir for people with Down’s syndrome to star at Paisley Book Festival

Choir 21 will perform as conductor and author Katy Lironi shares a book telling her family’s story.

Culture

3 d. ago The one change that worked: I conquered my fear of public speaking – with just one night of pure panic

When I agreed to plug my book at a literary festival, I was expecting some kind of low-key Q&A. Imagine my terror when I discovered I would have to monologue for almost an hourI never understood quite how much public speaking came with being a writer, because after I wrote my first book no one asked me to do any. They didn’t ask after my second book either. That was fine with me: I had never done any public speaking and, like all normal people, I was terrified of the prospect.Then in 2014, with the publication of my fourth book still a couple of weeks away, I was invited to a literary festival. I hadn’t been to many literary festivals, but for some reason I was sure I knew what to expect: a kindly interviewer would sit on stage with me, a small table holding a pitcher of water between us, and ask me a lot of softball questions about my process. I wasn’t comfortable with this either, but I said yes. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Wigtown Book Festival: Creative director to stand down from much

Adrian Turpin has worked on the Wigtown Book Festival since 2006

Culture

3 w. ago Edinburgh International Festival: Scotsman critics on which shows to book tickets for

With tickets for this year’s Edinburgh International Festival now on sale, Scotsman critics Kelly Apter, Joyce McMillan, Fiona Shepherd and Ken Walton offer their first impressions of this year’s programme

Culture

3 w. ago Dementia could be detected in early stages with five 'simple' tests

Dementia is a prevalent syndrome affecting more than 55 million people worldwide. Here, a neurologist has shared five simple tests that could help diagnose the condition.

Politics

3 w. ago James Corden and Ruth Jones to discuss new book at Hay Festival

The Gavin & Stacey creators will discuss the origins of the sitcom, its success and its record-breaking Christmas special at the Hay Festival.

Culture

4 w. ago Scottish postmaster wrongly convicted in Post Office Horizon scandal to speak at book festival

The Boswell Book Festival is the only festival dedicated to biography and memoirt

Culture

4 w. ago Top actors and authors on bill for Boswell Book Festival's return to Ayrshire

More names have been announced for this year's Boswell Book Festival ahead of ticket sales going live on Thursday.

Culture