Boswell Book Festival 2013

The lives of two of Ayrshire’s greatest artists Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde, brought to the stage in this fresh revival, directed by Rosie Kellagher.

Enjoy some traditional Scottish dancing to the infectious rhythm of this talented group of young local musicians.

How do you set about becoming a biographer? How do you turn your subject into a gripping tale? How do you tackle the research?

In conversation with Michael Malone author of Carnegie's Call on how to nurture the "success habit".

James Naughtie, best known for presenting BBC 4’s Today programme since 1994, as well as arts programmes such as Book Club, was voted the ‘best voice to wake up to’ by the Daily Mirror in 2011.

How do you define a bohemian? A genius, a rule breaker, a drama queen or all three, and more.

Claire Macdonald, award-winning cook and food writer, is Scotland’s foremost ambassador for the revitalised traditions of highland hospitality where her internationally renowned Kinloch House Lodge is one of only 16 restaurants in Scotland to have been awarded a coveted Michelin Star in 2011.

BBC Radio 4’s popular Book Club programme is led by James Naughtie. Inspired by this, we have prevailed upon him to lead a Festival book club discussion  and together we have chosen a brilliant landmark book in biography and one which in some way is a precursor of his own, The New Elizabethans by Lytton Strachey.

Lindsey Davis’ accuracy as an historian of Ancient Rome was recognised when she was awarded the Premio Colosseo in 2010 by the City of Rome.

Event Cancelled

Patrick Leigh Fermor (1915-2011), the legendary war hero, commanded the Anglo-Cretan team which abducted General Heinrich Kreipe. Devastatingly handsome, he appreciated the joys of the flesh as well as those of the mind and spirit.

Nigel Anthony , much loved radio voice as well as successful theatre and television actor, interviews Sir Jimmy Disprin - Conductor, wit, homophobic bore, womaniser and chancer with his musical choices in this hilarious dialogue written by and starring John Sessions - a world premiere for the Festival.

Prepare to be enthralled by this renowned band’s intoxicating, life-affirming mix of Eastern European dance music, Middle Eastern rhythms and virtuoso performances.

The Bible was the first scientific textbook of all; and it got some things right (and plenty more wrong). Steve Jones’ new book rewrites it in the light of modern science.