Ness Book Fest Programme Postponed
We have been closely monitoring the weather and the effects of Storm Amy. Following our latest risk assessment at 6pm, it has been deemed unsafe to ask both our audience and performers to attend this weekend’s NessBookFest events.
All tickets will remain valid, and we are already working to secure a new date so that the rest of our fantastic programme that we had planned for so long can still go ahead.
We apologise for any inconvenience this postponement may cause, but safety really is paramount. Tonight’s conditions look particularly unpleasant, so please take care.
From our Chairperson, Meilan Simanjuntak
“This was a difficult decision to make, but I believe it’s the best one for all parties involved. The safety of our authors, guests, and volunteers is a priority at this point. We hope to see you all soon!”
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the committee at nbfinverness@gmail.com
Thank you for your understanding.
NessBookFest is back for 2025!
This year’s theme is Nature, and it’s our eternal ambition to bring you great events that stir the imagination and inspire people to get involved!
In keeping with NBF’s ethos, all events are free of charge and can be booked via Ticket Tailor by searching for NessBookFest on that platform. Links to tickets are also provided on our social media pages and below.
NBF suggests that audience members bring cash if they wish to purchase books from authors at in-person events.
We are again partnering with many local venues and organisations, including Eden Court Theatre, Discovery College, and The Bike Shed. We gratefully acknowledge funding and support from the Scottish Book Trust as well as our sponsors, the Cairngorm Group, Ablekids Press and My Primary and Secondary Tutor. Details of venue locations and event specifics can be found below, as well as on our social media.
We hope you can join us for this year’s book festival. Have a gander at our wonderful events below and book your weekend’s activities!
TICKETS ON SALE 7PM 8TH SEPTEMBER 2025
NBF 2025 Programme
Philip Paris: ‘A Fire in Their Hearts’ Book Launch
Thursday 2nd October 1930-2130 at Maclean Room, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Philip Paris will headline this year’s NessBookFest in Inverness. Philip will take to the stage to launch his brand-new novel, A Fire in Their Hearts, an unforgettable story set in 17th-century Scotland.
Renowned for his compelling historical fiction, Philip brings to life a world of love, sacrifice, and the fierce struggle for freedom at a time when Scotland stood on the edge of dramatic change. This is your chance to be among the very first to hear about his latest work directly from the author himself.
With gripping storytelling, fascinating insights into his writing process, and the opportunity to ask questions, this promises to be one of the festival’s most memorable events. Even better, tickets are completely free, but spaces are limited, so make sure you book yours now.
This special event is kindly sponsored by Ablekids Press.
Ablekids Press is an independent Scottish children’s book publisher, specialising in bilingual books.
Visit their bookshop and gift shop on Market Brae Steps, in the historic heart of Inverness, to find out about ‘Wee MacNessie’, their version of the Loch Ness Monster, and also their ‘Wild About Inverness’ city centre trail, suitable for adults and children.
Pauline Mackay from Ablekids Press said: “Inverness-based publishing company and independent bookshop, Ablekids Press, supports the aim of Ness Book Fest to offer an annual programme of free literary events and is delighted to be a sponsor for 2025.”
Born in Kyle with Billy Kay and Robyn Stapleton
Fri 3 Oct 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM at Eden Court MacLean Room (Cancelled until 2026)
We are honoured to welcome Billy Kay, celebrated writer, broadcaster, and leading voice of the Scots language revival, to this year’s NessBookFest. Few figures have done more to shape how Scotland understands its own identity, and this special evening promises to be a highlight of the festival.
Billy will reflect on a remarkable lifetime dedicated to language, belonging, and the power of Scots to capture the soul of the nation. From his groundbreaking book Scots: The Mither Tongue to decades of award-winning radio and television, his voice has championed the richness, resilience, and everyday beauty of Scotland’s second most spoken language.
In this unique event, Billy will be joined by acclaimed singer Robyn Stapleton, weaving literature and music together in an unforgettable celebration of Scots. He will also share stories from his most personal work yet, Born in Kyle, a heartfelt tribute to his upbringing in Galston in Ayrshire’s Irvine Valley. With his trademark warmth and wit, Billy recalls working-class family life, childhood pastimes, coal fires, paraffin heaters, and the vibrant Scots speech that coloured every corner of daily life.
Expect an evening of stories, song, and reflection that pays tribute to the people, places, and voices that continue to keep Scots alive. Tickets are free but limited, so secure yours now for this extraordinary festival experience.
Meet the Books with Ian Blyth
Sat 4 Oct 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Discovery College, Eastgate Centre (Cancelled until 2026)
Step back in time and discover the treasures of the written word at this year’s Meet the Books with Ian Blyth of UHI Inverness. Thanks to rare access to private collections, this special event offers a glimpse into the books that have shaped culture and imagination across centuries.
Ian Blyth, who teaches History, Literature, and Philosophy at UHI, will introduce us to one of the great classics of British nature writing: Gilbert White’s The Natural History of Selborne. First published in 1789, this landmark work has never gone out of print, a testament to its enduring charm and insight into the natural world.
With passion and expertise, Ian will share the story of Selborne’s creation, its influence on how we think about nature, and why it remains such a beloved book more than two centuries later. Whether you are revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, this event promises to leave you seeing the natural world through fresh eyes.
Tickets are free, but spaces are limited. Don’t miss this chance to experience a timeless classic in the company of a true expert.
Ness Book Fest Writing Competition Awards 2025
Sat 2 Nov 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Discovery College, Eastgate Centre, Inverness
Prepare the drum roll! The stage is set for the NessBookFest 2025 Writing Competition Awards, where we shine a spotlight on the creativity and imagination of young writers from across the Highlands and beyond.
Each year, one of the festival’s greatest joys is discovering and celebrating fresh new voices. For 2025, our competition theme was “Nature”, and entrants rose to the challenge with an incredible range of stories, each offering a unique perspective on the natural world. The quality and creativity of the submissions made judging no easy task, but the results are now in.
Join us as we announce the winners, present their prizes, and give them the chance to share their words with a live audience. You’ll hear the winning pieces performed, enjoy a short prize-giving ceremony, and be part of an evening that celebrates the future of Scottish writing.
This event is always filled with warmth, pride, and inspiration. Admission is free, but seats are limited, so make sure you don’t miss this chance to support and applaud the next generation of writers.
Shelagh Chaimbeul: Ailig agus an Dalek Gàidhlig
Sat 2 Nov 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Discovery College, Eastgate Centre
Shelagh Campbell is from Glasgow and writes fiction for both adults and children in Scottish Gaelic. She was awarded the Gaelic New Writers Award from Scottish Book Trust in 2022 and won the Highland Society of London Prize for Best Fiction Book in 2024. Her first novel, Far na Slighe, was published by Luath Press in 2024, and her first book for children, Ailig agus an Dalek Gàidhlig, was published by Acair in 2025.
’S ann à Glaschu a tha Shelagh Chaimbeul agus bidh i a’ sgrìobhadh leabhraichean ficsean do chloinn agus do dh’inbhich sa Ghàidhlig. Chaidh Duais Ghàidhlig mar phàirt de Duaisean nan Sgrìobhadairean Ùra Urras Leabhraichean na h-Alba a bhuileachadh oirre ann an 2022. Bhuannaich i duais Chomann Gàidhealach Lunnainn airson Leabhar Ficsein ann an 2024. Chaidh a’ chiad nobhail aice, Far na Slighe, fhoillseachadh le Luath Press ann an 2024 agus chaidh leabhar-cloinne, Ailig agus an Dalek Gàidhlig, fhoillseachadh le Acair ann an 2025.
Tickets are free but limited, so secure your place and join us in supporting one of Gaelic literature’s brightest talents.
LD Lapinski: Comics-Making Workshop
Sat 2 Nov 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM at Eastgate Centre, Discovery College
Get ready to unleash your creativity in this hands-on comics-making workshop with international best-selling author L. D. Lapinski. Aimed at ages 12 and up, this interactive session will take you behind the scenes of how comics and graphic novels come to life, from the very first script to the final printed page. You’ll even have the chance to create your own comic, guided by one of the UK’s most exciting children’s writers.
L. D. Lapinski‘s bestselling titles include the much-loved Strangeworlds Travel Agency series, the ARTEZANS trilogy, JAMIE, Stepfather Christmas, and Doctor Who Icons for the BBC.
Lapinski’s books have been translated into sixteen languages, and their work has received international acclaim. Each title in the Strangeworlds trilogy, along with the standalone novel JAMIE, has been awarded the prestigious Kirkus star, while nominations include the Yoto Carnegie Medal, the Polari Prize, and the Branford Boase Award.
This is a rare chance to learn directly from a bestselling author who has inspired readers around the globe while also celebrating their roots in the Highlands. Whether you are a budding illustrator, a keen writer, or simply love stories told through pictures and words, this workshop will fire your imagination and give you the tools to tell your own stories.
Tickets are free but limited, so book early to secure your spot at this fantastic creative session.
This event is kindly sponsored by My Primary and Secondary Tutor.
My Primary and Secondary Tutor is an award-winning tuition business based in Inverness. We support children and young people across the UK and beyond to build confidence and close gaps in their learning through high-quality, personalised online tuition. With a dedicated team of nearly 30 experienced teachers, we provide support in a range of subjects, with a strong focus on English and Maths. We recognise the importance of reading and writing not only as essential skills for school, but as powerful tools that open doors to imagination, creativity and lifelong learning.
Writing Workshop with Merryn Glover
Sat 2 Nov 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM at Eastgate Centre, Discovery College
Join us for an inspiring creative writing workshop led by acclaimed novelist Merryn Glover, former Writer in Residence for the Cairngorms National Park. Open to all, whether you are just beginning your writing journey or already working on your own projects, this session will provide encouragement, practical insight, and the spark to take your storytelling further.
Merryn’s work is shaped by a truly global perspective. With roots in South Asia and Australia, and a deep connection to Scotland, she brings a unique voice to her writing, weaving landscapes, cultures, and human experience into powerful stories. Her novels, including A House Called Askival and Of Stone and Sky, have captivated readers and listeners around the world.
In this workshop, Merryn will share her expertise, guide participants through creative exercises, and offer new ways of seeing and shaping stories. Expect an energising and supportive space where ideas flow, confidence grows, and words come alive on the page.
This workshop is free to attend, but spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place and spend time learning from one of Scotland’s most dynamic writers.
A Write Difference & UHI Scribblers Showcase
Sat 2 Oct 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM at The Bike Shed, Inverness (Cancelled until 2026)
Celebrate fresh talent and original voices at the A Write Difference & UHI Scribblers Showcase, a lively evening of storytelling and creativity.
This special event brings together UHI’s graduating Creative Writing students alongside members of the UHI Scribblers, offering a platform for emerging writers to share their work with a festival audience. Expect an inspiring mix of forms and styles, from thought-provoking short stories to imaginative poetry and everything in between.
The showcase is a chance to hear directly from writers at the beginning of their literary journeys, each bringing new perspectives, bold ideas, and fresh energy to the stage. Whether you are an avid reader, a fellow writer seeking inspiration, or simply curious to hear what the next generation of voices has to say, this event will leave you entertained and brimming with ideas.
Admission is free, but places are limited, so secure your seat and be part of an evening that celebrates creativity in all its forms.
NBF 2025 Poetry Slam
Sat 17 Jan 2026 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM at The Bike Shed
Get ready for one of the most electrifying nights of NessBookFest – the NBF Poetry Slam 2025 at The Bike Shed!
Poets will take to the stage and go head-to-head, performing their best work in a high-energy battle of words, rhythm, and performance. Each poet will be scored live, and by the end of the evening, one champion will rise above the rest to claim the title of NBF Poetry Slam Champion 2025, along with a coveted place in the Scottish National Finals 2026.
Expect a vibrant mix of voices and styles, from the funny and outrageous to the deeply moving and thought-provoking. The Poetry Slam is always one of the most exciting events of the festival, with the audience at the heart of the action as the energy builds round by round.
This is poetry like you’ve never experienced it before – live, loud, and unforgettable. Tickets are free but in high demand, so grab yours now and be part of the buzz.
Further Information
Tickets: All events are free and should be booked through Ticket Tailor (click on the links beside the above events or search for NessBookFest and the event title on http://www.tickettailor.com.
Venues:
Discovery College, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness IV2 3PP
The Bike Shed, Grant Street, Inverness IV3 8BN
Eden Court Theatre, Bishops Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA
Further information:
Email: nbfinverness@gmail.com
Social Media: NessBookFest Facebook, Instagram, and Threads
Website: www.nessbookfest.com
Donations:
In keeping with NessBookFest’s ethos of #nobarriers, all events are free of charge. However, to secure a free-access festival in the future, we welcome donations should audience members feel inclined. Cash buckets and card readers will be present at live events, and there is an opportunity to give a donation when ordering tickets online through Ticket Tailor.
Funders:
NessBookFest is grateful to the following sponsors and supporters: Cairngorm Group, Ablekids Press, My Primary and Secondary Tutor, and The Scottish Book Trust.
NessBookFest 