James Miller will talk about his latest book at John O’Groats Mill on Friday, May 22, as part of the 2026 John O’Groats Book Festival.
Caithness author James Miller is to be joined by the local MP for a discussion about the north of Scotland’s relationship with the European Union.
The focus will be on Miller’s new book, Keeping the Light On: A Highland View of Brexit and the EU, published 10 years on from the Brexit referendum.
Miller has said that writing the book was a way of assuaging his disappointment over the outcome.
He points out that European funding had been vital for the Highlands and Islands, as were the opportunities for social and cultural cooperation arising from EU membership.
Originally from Keiss, Miller has lived near Inverness for many years. He considers himself a Caithnessian, a Highlander, a Scot, a British citizen and a European “all at one and the same time”.
He will be in conversation with Jamie Stone, the MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, at a John O’Groats Book Festival event on Friday, May 22, in John O’Groats Mill.
The event will begin at 7pm. Entry is free, as a result of support from Dunnet and Canisbay Community Council’s micro-grant scheme. Bookings can be made by telephoning 07715 493696.
Donations to the mill will be welcome.
Related stories:
BOOK REVIEW: Ten years on from the Brexit referendum ‘nightmare’
The Highlands and the EU: ‘We benefited a lot – but it wasn’t just about money’
In June 2016 the UK voted by 52 per cent to 48 per cent to leave the EU. In Scotland the result was 62 per cent to 38 per cent in favour of remaining.
Speaking earlier this year, following the launch of the book, Miller said: “I’m an optimist by nature but it’s not always an easy stance to hold on to. In the 10 years since the referendum the world has changed in some depressing ways. ‘Keeping the light on’ is an expression of hope, though, that good sense will prevail.”
Keeping the Light On: A Highland View of Brexit and the EU, by James Miller, is published by Scaraben Press (£14.99). It can be ordered by email from scarabenpress@gmail.com and is on sale in bookshops in the north.
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