Join author Alan Dapré as he shares his pawsome picture book, My Dog Max. It’s an upbeat tail-wagging tale of a girl whose biggest wish is to find a funny, furry friend of her own. A hilarious story of hope, home and happiness!
For Carina Contini, food is a way of life. Her family’s Italian-Scottish heritage has enriched the recipes on the menu at Contini, Edinburgh. Join Carina to discuss her cookbook, which features 100 iconic dishes.
Orwell prize-winning author and hip-hop artist Darren McGarvey examines the stories we tell ourselves about our wounds.
Create your own story about the natural world with this family-friendly ‘make-your-own-book’ session. Celebrate all things land, sky and sea, from the spectacular neighbouring habitats of the Bogside Flats SSSI to local beaches, woodlands and landscapes far beyond!
Human rights lawyer Claire Mitchell and novelist Zoe Venditozzi talk about their fascinating book, How to Kill A Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy, which exposes a dark side of Scottish history.
Nicola Sturgeon brings her debut book Frankly to her hometown of Irvine, where it all started. In this deeply personal memoir, she recounts her journey from working-class Ayrshire to the steps of Bute House.
Join us for a guided dip in the sea at Irvine Beach – then it’s back to the HAC for luxury hot chocolate. Hear how local swimmer Chantal Feely used cold water and the art of journalling to combat grief. Culminate the experience by creating a personalised journal cover with talented artist, Lynn McNally.
Come and enjoy a historic walk along the harbourside with the Irvine Lasses. Learn about Irvine’s rich cultural heritage and the literary connections to this unique part of Irvine, including the history of the Harbour Arts Centre itself.
For nearly a year, Claudia set off to travel the world, not knowing she’d end up walking 1,500 miles through the Caucasus, India, Nepal, Europe and Scotland. Walk Like A Girl is a story about resilience and courage.
The first shelf in our Gaelic bookcase will celebrate favourite stories, poems and songs. Gaelic speakers of all ages will captivate listeners with the melodic rhythm and distinct sounds of our heritage language.
Join Alastair MacDonald Jackson for a journey around Scotland’s west coast islands as he presents images from his book Scottish West Coast Isles In Photographs.
‘Coorie doon’ wi’ acclaimed Scottish writer Jackie Kay in conversation wi’ Ayrshire Poet, Tracy Anne Harvey. You are promised an evening o’ warmth, humour, Scots Tongue and human endearment!
Celebrate the magic of picture books! This vibrant Picture Hooks exhibition showcases original artwork from emerging children’s illustrators alongside their acclaimed mentors, including Jill Calder, David Melling, and Debi Gliori.
Celebrate the bicentenary of the Irvine Burns Club! Glasgow University’s Alan Riach will lead us through Robert Burns's legendary poem ‘Tam o' Shanter’ alongside Alexander Goudie's vibrant, dramatic illustrations.
Written by award-winning author Lindsay Littleson and created with local pupils and professional artists, The Tales of Shug’s Wood is a free, family-friendly art trail. Join us to celebrate the launch and explore his woodland world.
For 60 years, Archie Macpherson has been the voice of Scottish football. Join us for wonderful stories, sharp insights, and a candid look at where the beautiful game is headed next.
Join our ‘Gruffalo Granny’ themed interactive storytelling session with drama, singing, music and games. Develop and inspire a love of books!
Starting at the Glasgow Vennel, explore Irvine’s rich literary heritage, from Robert Burns and John Galt to Edgar Allan Poe. Visit historic sites including Irvine Grammar School and the Old Parish Kirkyard to uncover Poe’s local roots, before concluding with dramatic readings and a discussion of his mysterious legacy.
Join award-winning playwright and performer Alan Bissett for a dynamic evening celebrating his latest published scripts.
Join BBC sports commentator Andrew Cotter to explore the journey of his superstar Labradors, Olive and Mabel.
Beloved and multi-talented novelist, Sara Sheridan, has a passion for telling the stories of forgotten women from history. Her long-awaited new novel, The Jewel Keepers, has been described as a Scottish, female Da Vinci Code.
Join Edinburgh Makar/Poet Laureate Michael Pedersen on a waltz through his fiction (Muckle Flugga), non-fiction (Boy Friends), and poetry (The Cat Prince).
Kirsty Logan, "the queen of weird girl fiction", discusses desire at its very darkest in her newest story collection, No & Other Love Stories.
On the eve of a major Australian tour, Andrew will be at Tidelines in Irvine to talk about his career as a writer, and to unfold the personal stories that inspired On Friendship.
In this event, Kerri Andrews, the bestselling writer of Wanderers: A History of Walking and Pathfinding, will be in conversation with Caro Giles, discussing all things connected to women’s walking and the long and inspirational history of women getting outdoors.
This year’s shelf in our Gaelic bookcase will be a celebration of Gaelic books and culture with Whitehirst Park Primary pupils, plus Scotland’s Makar, Peter Mackay.
Set against a spectacular backdrop of stars, constellations, and comets, Jenni Fagan's fifth novel The Delusions is a reflection on humanity and the strands that connect us all.
The Traitors contestant and former criminal barrister turned crime-writing powerhouse, Harriet joins us to discuss her sensational fifth novel, Witch Trial, diving deep into law, dark secrets, and courtroom drama.
One of Ayrshire’s finest literary exports, Graeme Macrae Burnet has a truly international profile, with six multi-award-winning novels in over twenty languages. His latest, Benbecula, was shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.
Best known for EastEnders and Gavin & Stacey, acclaimed actor Larry Lamb takes audiences on a heartfelt journey through his life and career.
