Ness Book Fest 2025 returns in October.
Award-winning Highland author Philip Paris is set to launch his new book at Ness Book Fest this autumn.
The annual event, which will take place from October 2-4 at venues around Inverness, bills itself as the Highland’s biggest free book festival.
This year, it is taking nature as its theme and it will include talks by writers, a poetry slam and a schools writing competition.
Philip Paris, whose books include the acclaimed The Last Witch of Scotland, will also launch his new novel, A Fire in Their Hearts, which is described as a gripping story set in 17th-century Scotland.
• Highland’s biggest free book festival to return to Inverness in autumn
• From newspapers to poetry – festival celebrates storytelling
Having previously worked in journalism and media relations, Philip moved from Kent to the Highlands in 2005
His debut novel, The Italian Chapel, based on the creation of the chapel built in Orkney by Italian prisoners of war, was published in 2009.
His work also includes The Last Witch of Scotland, set in 1727 and inspired by the true story of Janet Horne, the last person in Britain to be executed for witchcraft. It was named Waterstones’ Scottish Book of the Year 2024.
Writer Philip Paris.
The launch of A Fire in Their Hearts will include readings as he explores the lives of ordinary people who resisted King Charles II’s demand to control the Church of Scotland and their banishment to the Caribbean.
Following the reading, there will be an open Q&A session.
Also taking part in the festival will be Billy Kay, a respected voice promoting the Scots language.
Billy will be joined by Robyn Stapleton, whose singing brings Scots poetry and song to life, for an evening of literature and music.
Merryn Glover, former writer in residence for the Cairngorms National Park, will lead a writing workshop which is open to all.
Merryn, who has roots in South Asia and Australia and a deep connection to Scotland, has captivated readers around the world with her novels including A House Called Askival and Of Stone and Sky.
The festival will also see the return of Poetry Slam where poets go head-to-head in a battle to be crowned champion and to win their place in the Scottish National Finals in 2026.
Meet the Books will provide a chance to see, touch and learn about old, unusual and rare books and there will also be a special celebration for the Highland Schools Writing Competition winners.
Ness Book Fest chairperson Meilan Simanjuntak said: “We’re thrilled to unveil a programme that truly reflects the heart of Ness Book Fest – accessible and engaging with something for everyone.
“This year’s events celebrate the voices, history and creativity of Scotland and the Highlands, and we’re proud that the festival remains free and open to all.”
Further information and updates about the festival can be found at NessBookFest 2025 or on social media.
Events will take place at Eden Court Theatre, Discovery College and The Bike Shed in Merkinch.
Since its inception in 2016, Ness Book Fest has been a festival run by the community for the community.
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