An exciting line-up of major authors feature in the opening chapter of the Inverness Book Festival which is being launched for the first time on 16 June at Eden Court.

The highlight of the Festival is a joint appearance at Eden Court by internationally popular and renowned Scottish authors Iain M Banks, and Christopher Brookmyre.

Eden Court is co-ordinating the Festival which is being supported the city’s major book stores Ottakers, Waterstones, WH Smith, Charles Leakey and Borders in a unique collaboration.

The Festival itself is taking place on 7 – 10 October and 14 events have been confirmed so far, including appearances by celebrity cook Lady Claire MacDonald and mountaineer/writer Doug Scott, and Winnie Ewing MSP.

Present at the launch will be the Festival Director Jason Rose, Eden Court’s Director Colin Marr, and local authors Ali Smith, Anne Macleod, Jim Miller and John Ward.  They will be spelling out what the Festival has to offer in an unusual photocall.

Festival director Jason Rose said:

 “Inverness has deserved a book festival for ages. Bookworms like me are crying out for chances to meet authors but are often faced with a trek to the central belt. There are heaps of great writers on our doorstep and it’s an attractive place for authors from elsewhere to visit. Roll on October!”

Eden Court director Colin Marr added

“I am delighted that Eden Court is able to instigate the first ever Inverness Book Festival. Jason Rose is proving to be an inspired choice for director and has organised a very impressive list of events that will put the festival on the literary map from its first day. I have also been overwhelmed by the support of the five Inverness book shops.”