John Dean – Crime Writer

Mary, Queen of Scots has long held a place of fascination in Scotland’s history and the annual book festival in Kirkcudbright is proving to be an excellent stage on which to recount different aspects of her story.

Last year, one of the festival’s most popular events was a presentation of poetry and prose written by local group Stewartry Writers and Friends, inspired by an exhibition of the silver casket of letters by Mary, Queen of Scots at Kirkcudbright Galleries, which also staged the group’s performance.

This year, Kirkcudbright Book Festival, which is held at various venues in the town in South West Scotland, will return to the theme with an appearance by writer and historian Rosemary Goring.

She will deliver a talk entitled Treachery, Deceit, Hope and Despair: The Life of Mary, Queen of Scots at 2.30pm on Saturday March 7. Kirkcudbright Galleries in St Mary Street is again the venue.

Rosemary’s books about Mary, Queen of Scots – Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary, Queen of Scots and Exile: The Captive Years of Mary, Queen of Scots, explore different periods of her life, with Homecoming focusing on her time in Scotland and Exile detailing her lengthy imprisonment in England after fleeing her homeland. Rosemary’s other books include the best-selling Scotland: An Autobiography and, two historical novels, After Flodden and Dacre’s War.

A columnist and reviewer with The Herald, she is also a regular abridger of books for BBC Radio.

Stewartry Writers to return  by popular demand

In case you are wondering if the Stewartry Writers will be back this year, among the 20-plus events taking place at the festival between March 5-8, yes, they will, on Sunday March 8 at 11.30am with Echoes of Galloway, a presentation of readings at EcoArt, 1 Castle St, Kirkcudbright DG6 4JA

Come and join the Stewartry Writers and Friends, returning by popular demand, as they read from a selection of their recent writings celebrating glorious Galloway, near and far, past and present, promising a journey through time and tides, terrain and travels.

You can find out more about the festival, including how to purchase tickets, at https://kbtbookfestival.org/