EIBF 2008: Tuesday 19th August

From stooshies to stramashes, from a guid girn to a hairtfelt blether, poet Liz Niven unlocks the lyrical magic of the Scots language and invites you to come and experiment with Scots’ voices. (Maximum 20 places)

As Scotland celebrates 500 years of printing, editors David Finkelstein, Bill Bell and Alistair McCleery reveal the remarkable contribution to publishing and literary culture made by Scotland over the last 120 years – a period covering momentous changes in writing, publishing technology, bookselling, readership and of course, book festivals.

A major political occasion and Book Festival exclusive: the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister of Scotland, speaks of his hopes and vision for the country in one of our most prestigious events. Scotland’s political and cultural landscape has been transformed since devolution. Come to hear, and question, the first ever Scottish National Party leader of the land. Chaired by Brian Taylor.

Meet two Edinburgh writers who secured publication at the 2006 Book Festival. Love Hurts by Jeff Randall is the powerful story of a tormented childhood, attempted suicide, and of a man coming to terms with his past. Mary Turner Thomson’s The Bigamist is an astonishing account of her marriage to a sociopath. Searing personal accounts. Chaired by Jackie McGlone.

An hour of utter delight in the company of the global phenomenon and most beloved author. Whether writing about Botswana or his native Edinburgh, Alexander McCall Smith’s novels celebrate compassion, moral certainty and warmth. Don’t miss this final chance to hear him this festival.