Literature & Spoken Word Events at the Leith Festival

The Leith Festival is probably the fastest-growing festival programme in a city of festivals, and this year it features a Gala Day, Parade, and 150 events. Events will include film, drama, dance, comedy, music, and a programme of literature and spoken word events. We pick our Scottish highlights from the 2009 programme.

Friday 5th June

7pm - 8.45pm: Kilmarnock Edition Live at The Raj Restaurant
An evening with John Cairney. Scotland's leading "homecomer" returns after 20 years in NZ. The man who was Robert Burns on TV and on stage. Nobody knows Burns better. A memorable evening is promised. Be there.

Saturday 6th June

1pm - 2.30pm: There Is A Bonny Fitba Team at Ocean Terminal
50 Years on the Hibee Highway by Ted Brack. Ted Brack will be reading from his latest book on the trials and tribulations of Hibernian Football Club over half a century. A must for all Hibs fans and devotees of the Scottish game.
7pm - 8.30pm: Luath Literature in Leith: Islay Whisky Legends at The Raj Restaurant
Join acclaimed singer-songwriter Robin Laing for songs and stories from the world capital of whisky. Last Tango in Portnahaven, Weapons of Mass Destruction and many more. Free dram upon arrival.

Sunday 7th June

12noon - 2pm: Big Book Swap at Leith Community Education Centre
After last year's success, Leith Festival invites you to the 2nd Annual Big Book Swap. Bring along your old, used or much loved books to share and swap with others. This is your best chance to renew and increase your personal reading library! The remaining books will be donated to the charities that supported this free event.

Monday 8th June

7pm - 8pm: Luath Literature in Leith: Arts of Resistance at The Raj Restaurant
With Alan Riach and Sandy Moffat. Come along to challenge and provoke, to resist stagnation and question complacency. A lively romp through the art, poetry and literature of Scotland over the last 120 years.

Tuesday 9th June

6pm - 7.30pm: Gutted Book Launch at Ocean Terminal
Back on the case and still on the bottle, anti-hero Gus Dury is up against gangland crooks and corrupt officials in this launch of a compelling new Edinburgh based novel by Tony Black.

Wednesday 10th June

7pm - 8.30pm: Homage to Caledonia at Leith Library
Talk by local author Daniel Gray on the Scots who fought to save Spain from fascism. Includes Q&A session chaired by Leith Councillor Gordon Munro.

Thursday 11th June

6.30pm - 7.30pm: After the Fire at Ocean Terminal
Come and meet Karen Campbell, the rising star of Scottish crime fiction. Her new novel featuring Sgt Anna Cameron is a must for those searching for the new Rebus.
7pm - 8pm: Luath Literature in Leith : Burns in Leith
With Donald Smith. Come along and hear the living voice (from Smith's acclaimed novel Between Ourselves) of Robert Burns in Edinburgh and Leith - angry, satiric, passionate, inspired and debauched.

Friday 12th June

2.30pm - 3.30pm: First Aid For Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts at Leith Library
Have you ever found a dragon on your doorstep? Or met a minotaur in his maze? Local children's author Lari Don will read from her book First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts, tell some dark fables, and help you imagine your own fabled beasts. Event suitable for 7 years and over.
7pm - 8pm: Luath Literature in Leith : Death of a Chief at The Raj Restaurant
With Douglas Watt. Highland Chief found dead in Edinburgh. Come along and hear about Watt's pre-Enlightenment crime novel featuring investigative advocate John MacKenzie.

Saturday 13th June

1pm - 2.30pm: In A Class of their Own at Ocean Terminal
Leith legend Millie Gray will be reading from her brilliant new novel set in the hard times of the 1930's. Experience the lost world of Leith's colourful and gritty past.