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The annual Spirit of Moray Book Festival is now established as a key event on Moray’s festival calendar. Once again the diverse programme offers the perfect blend of new and established Scottish authors, illustrators and writers during an extended 6 day programme of events for children of all ages, schools and adults.This year’s packed programme offers a taste of travel, history, mapping, food and whisky that will suit a wide palate.Mystery fiction has become the most popular genre borrowed from Moray Libraries and we’re delighted to welcome Denise Mina to our festival. This year we also present a ‘twist’ to this theme with highly acclaimed forensic pathologist Professor James Grieve offering an insight into the secrets of his profession.One of the highlights of this year’s programme is the introduction of a literary dinner at Johnstons of Elgin. Following a three course dinner prepared with quality Scottish produce, Mary Contini, best-selling author and director of the Valvona & Crolla food empire, will tell the story of her family’s move from Italy to Scotland. Complete the evening with some retail therapy. If you prefer a late afternoon outing, then enjoy a scenic tour of Moray on the big screen with staff from the National Library of Scotland’s Moving Image Archive.We’ve introduced a Saturday event for young people and their families featuring award-winning and popular author Barry Hutchison. Barry will present a world exclusive first reading of his new book, Spectre Collectors: Too Ghoul for School.Families are encouraged to sign up for the popular Bookbug Picnic and join Bookbug in stories, songs and rhymes.Cobbs Café will once again extend their opening hours to provide refreshments for those who wish to relax prior to, and between, sessions.

Booking Office opens Monday 14th August.To book ring 01343 562623 or order eTickets online at – www.moray.gov.uk/moraybookfestival

OPENING HOURSMon-Sat: 9-5

Sun: 10-4T: 01343 562634Elgin Library, Cooper Park,

Elgin IV30 1HS

Light SnacksAward Winning Cakes

Home Made SoupsGluten Free Options

SandwichesOutside Catering

OPEN EVERY DAY AT ELGIN LIBRARY

CAFÉ

We sell

Arran Dairy

Ice Cream

A6 Advert.indd 1 25/06/2015 12:17:17

BOOK FESTIVAL2017

2 | To book ring 01343 562623 or order eTickets online at www.moray.gov.uk/moraybookfestival To book ring 01343 562623 or order eTickets online at www.moray.gov.uk/moraybookfestival | 3

Public Events Programme at a Glance Monday 11th September at 1.30pm FREE

Join Bookbug for fun-filled songs and stories.

Bring along a soft-toy friend.

Tuesday 12th September at 7.00pm

Official Festival Launch by Dr John Scally Chief Executive of the National Library of ScotlandDr Scally started his career at the National Library of Scotland in 1993 as a curator in the British Antiquarian Division and left the Library as Deputy Head of Rare Books in 2003. Dr Scally moved to the University of Edinburgh to take up the post of Director of University Collections and during his time at the University progressed to the post of Director of Library and University Collections. Dr Scally returned to the National Library of Scotland in September 2014 as National Librarian and Chief Executive

Tuesday 12th September following 7.00pm launch

James HunterSet Adrift Upon the World £5They would be better dead, they said, than set adrift upon the world. But set adrift they were – thousands of them, their communities destroyed, their homes demolished and burned. Join historian James Hunter as he tells the story of the Sutherland Clearances. His research took him to archives in Scotland, England and Canada, to the now deserted straths of Sutherland, to the frozen shores of Hudson Bay. The result is a gripping, moving, definitive account of a people’s struggle for survival in the face of tragedy and disaster.

Monday 11th September

1.30pm Bookbug Picnic

Tuesday 12th September

2.00pm Storytime for under 5s

7.00pm OfficialLaunchfollowedbyJimHunter

Wednesday 13th September

6.30pm ProfJamesGrieve

8.00pm Denise Mina

Thursday 14th September

11.00am Storytime for under 5s

4.00pm NLSMovingImageArchive

6.30pm AnneFine

8.00pm ChrisFleet

Friday 15th September

6.30pm AjayClose

7.00pm LiteraryDinner,MaryContiniatJohnstonsofElgin

8.00pm Malachy Tallack

Saturday 16th September

11.00am BarryHutchison

2.00pm Storytime for young children

2.30pm Mark Muller Stuart

7.00pm CharlesMacLeanandDanielMacCannell


Wednesday 13th September at 6.30pm

Prof James Grieve Let the Dead Do the Talking £5Professor James Grieve has been the Senior Forensic Pathologist in the North of Scotland for over a quarter of a century. Working from the University of Aberdeen, he has been virtually single-handed and has dealt with over 500 investigations of sudden unexpected death in the region including homicides, suicides, accidents and natural deaths every year. Some of these have developed a high profile, particularly in media exposure and subsequent Court proceedings.Professor Grieve, who is recently semi-retired, will review the changes which have occurred during his professional career and, in particular, will discuss the view of forensic pathology practice in popular literature, especially crime fiction, and other public media presentations, where the “dead” supposedly reveal their secrets at post-mortem examination, touching on the values of forensic pathology to life, health and education.

Thursday 14th September at 4.00pm

Moray Memories on Film FREEA scenic tour of Moray on the big screen presented by the National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive. Highlights of this geographical and historical North East film show include Elgin in 1935, a Fancy Dress parade in Buckie during 1947 and the Keith Show of 1951.


Anne Fine Happy Families – or Not? £5Though best known for her writing for young people, Anne has written nine equally well-received novels for adults: eight domestic black comedies, and one book that’s simply black. Anne talks about what sets her off every four years or so, writing novels that, even if not biographical, tend to mirror the various stages of life through which she or her friends are passing.


Christopher Fleet Mapping Scotland’s Islands £5Join Christopher Fleet, Senior Map Curator in the National Library of Scotland, as he explores some of Scotland’s most beautiful and historically significant island maps. From the earliest maps to the most up-to date techniques of digital mapping, Fleet will present the rich and diverse story of Scotland’s islands, covering topics such as population, place-names, defence, civic improvement, natural resources, navigation, and leisure and tourism.

Wednesday 13th September at 8.00pm

Denise Mina What’s Your Story? £5The Long Drop is a fictional account of the Peter Manuel case. One of the themes of the book is the stories we tell about ourselves and how important they are to our identity. Denise Mina will be talking about the importance of narrative in all of our lives and how we tell stories, which stories we chose to tell and how fact and fiction intermingle to make the world we live in.

OFFER!Buy tickets for both of Wednesday’s crime events at the same time

and receive a voucher for FREE coffee and cake in the interval.


Friday15thSeptemberat6.30pm

Ajay Close The Daughter of Lady Macbeth £5Are we as civilised as we think – or just animals at the mercy of instinctual drives? In her fifth novel, former journalist Ajay Close explores love and marriage, the fraught bond between mothers and daughters, and the power of family secrets.This darkly funny tale follows Freya and Frankie, whose longing for a child is putting their marriage under strain, and Lilias, Freya’s mother (an actress on and off stage) through a year of heartbreaking and redemptive changes.

Friday15thSeptemberat8.00pmMalachy Tallack Un-discovered Islands £5Let critically acclaimed author Malachy Tallack take you on a journey to the world’s un-discovered islands, an exploration of some of the world’s strangest places. These islands are the products of imagination, deception or even simple human error. From the well-known story of Atlantis to more obscure tales from around the globe; from ancient history right up to the present day, Tallack will lead you through an atlas of legend and wonder, of places discovered and then un-discovered.

ESSENTIAL BOOKINGINFORMATION

Special dietary requirements MUST be identified at time of booking.Seating preferences to be identified at time of booking

(e.g. group bookings)

NEW fortheSpiritofMorayBookFestival2017A Literary Dinner with Mary Contini at Johnstons of Elgin £30

Friday15thSeptemberat7.00pmBest-selling author and director of the famous Edinburgh Valvona & Crolla food empire Mary Contini, tells the story of her family’s move from Naples to Scotland. With her inimitable style she shares stories of exuberant family relationships, mouth-watering food and hilarious laughter, painting a vivid picture of life in wartime Italy and Scotland and the decades immediately after.Enjoy these culinary tales and savour the delicious three course meal prepared by Johnstons’ chefs and served in the atmospheric, quality dining area. Discover the beautiful Autumn collection and benefit from a complimentary 10% discount voucher.


Saturday 16th September at 11.00am

Barry Hutchison £3Following his appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Barry Hutchison will be in Elgin to talk about writing books, comics, and things for the telly. In this laugh-out-loud, highly interactive talk, Barry will whizz through his career so far (and his plans for world domination), read from his latest book, and probably talk a load of old rubbish about squirrels. Suitable for age 10+.

Saturday 16th September at 7.00pm

Charles MacLean and Daniel MacCannell Illicit Stills: Scotland’s Secret History £5Join whisky guru Charles MacLean and author Daniel MacCannell as they explore Scotland’s history of illicit whisky distilling. Seen as a ‘right of man’ at the end of the 17th century, the Cabrach became renowned for its production of illicit whisky. Local inhabitants mixed farming and distilling with great skill, creating a network of stills and distribution to evade customs. Using new research, first-hand historical accounts and official records, the authors show how spirits from this small parish were made and travelled far and wide, across the border to England and across the North Sea to France, firing up revolution and lending solidarity to the struggles of the Jacobites.

Saturday 16th September at 2.30pm

Mark Muller StuartStorm in the Desert: Britain’s intervention in Libya and the Arab Spring £5Mark Muller Stuart is a senior mediator to the United Nations Department of Political Affairs and has conducted international missions throughout the Middle East and Africa. From a unique civil society standpoint he describes the murky but sometimes inspiring role successive British governments have played in trying to contain conflict in Libya and the Arab Spring, documenting how non-state mediators, non-governmental organisations, journalists, artists and like-minded diplomats promote human rights in one of the world’s most turbulent regions. A unique insight into the world of diplomacy and power politics and the way they impact upon ordinary human lives.

Bookfest 2016: Allan Bissett


Schools Programme at a GlanceMonday 11th September

Debi Gliori DebiGlioriintroduces her new book about a boy, a girl and a dog on a perfect summer day in the Hebrides. See if you can find all the things hidden in this uniquely Scottish alphabet book, including B for bagpipes ( of course!) and even V for Vikings - and perhaps come up with some ideas of your own.


Kenneth Steven Kenneth Steven has written many books as a children’s author, and he has years of experience of giving readings and writing workshops for primary schools. His books have appeared in 16 languages and have won a number of awards. His own favourite story for 8-12s is The Santa Maria, a treasure tale from the Hebrides. But he will bring with him to the festival a new story too to read to the groups he meets. Find Kenneth’s website: www.kennethsteven.co.uk


9.30am DebiGliori P1/2

9.30am Kenneth Steven P5-7

11.15am DebiGliori P1/2

11.15am Kenneth Steven P5-7


9.30am Simon Puttock P1/2

11.15am JoanLennon P6/7

11.15am Simon Puttock P1/2

1.30pm JoanLennon P6/7


10.00am Stories & Rhymes playgroups & nurseries

11.15am VivianFrench P3/4

1.30pm VivianFrench P3/4


9.30am Chae Strathie P3/4

9.30am KasiaMatyjaszek P1/2

11.15am Chae Strathie P3/4

11.15am KasiaMatyjaszek P1/2

Friday 15th September

9.30am AnneFine P5-7

11.15am AnneFine P5-7

11.15am BarryHutchison P4/5

1.30pm BarryHutchison P4/5



Special Storytime Come along and enjoy stories and rhymes selected especially for playgroups and nursery schools.


Chae Strathie Ahoy there, shipmates! Set sail with award-winning author/pirate Captain Chae Strathie to see what’s going on at Captain Firebeard’s School For Pirates. Meet a cheeky parrot, learn how to grow some fine whiskers, help Captain Weirdbeard with a beard-problem and, of course, listen to some aaarrrrr-some stories about Captain Firebeard and his pirate pupils. Don’t be late, landlubbers!


Kasia MatyjaszekI am a Very Clever Cat Stockton the cat is very clever – he can dance, he can paint, he can juggle and he can knit. Or can he? Author-illustrator Kasia Matyjaszek will help you find out all about Stockton and the friends who help him out when he gets in a terrible tangle in her brilliant new picture book, I am a very Clever Cat.

Friday15thSeptember

Anne Fine AnneFine talks about where she gets the ideas for her darker novels for young people like The Tulip Touch, The Devil Walks and The Road of Bones, and comedies like Eating Things on Sticks and Madame Doubtfire. She’ll answer the questions she gets asked most often, and invite a few new ones.

Friday15thSeptember

Barry Hutchison Join award-winning author, Barry Hutchison, for the WORLD EXCLUSIVE first reading from his new book, Spectre Collectors: Too Ghoul for School. Scream with terror (or possibly laughter) as he reveals for the first time where the idea for the book came from, and why he’s obsessed with things that go bump in the night.


Simon Puttock Things that go chomp (or to school) in the night Join Simon to explore what might happen when the sun goes down: things may get a bit scary, or perhaps quite the opposite (there’s more than one way to go CHOMP)! From Fluffywuffy to Goat and Donkey and the Noise Downstairs to Simon’s Moonlight School series, things are sometimes a wee bit different after dark.


Joan Lennon Every year, for as long as anyone can remember, the Mountain has moved a little northwards. But now it’s moving in the opposite direction. And it’s picking up speed. Join Joan Lennon as she introduces her latest novel Walking Mountain, looking at where this story of impending disaster and unlikely friendships began, and how she went about inventing a strange future world that is fantastic and familiar at the same time.


Vivian French Stories are wonderful … but what if you find books are too hard? Too short? Too long? Too boring? Vivian French has some ideas to soothe away the problems, and make reading FUN! She’ll also talk about The Cherry Pie Princess and The Adventures of Alfie Onion … both are stories that come from other stories, and might give you ideas of your own!


nlsFestivalSales:Yeadon’sofElginandBanchory

AlltalkswilltakeplaceatElginLibraryunlessstatedotherwise.

Tickets for adult sessions are £5 and children’spublicsessionsare£3.

Tobook,visitorringElginlibraryduringlibraryhourson-01343 562623

Order online at www.moray.gov.uk/moraybookfestival

BookingOfficeisopenfromMonday14thAugustBook early to avoid disappointment!

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BOOK FESTIVAL2017

book festival - moraychristopher fleet mapping scotland’s islands £5 join christopher fleet,...

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