ORGANISERS of the Paisley Book Festival have unveiled its first writer-in-residence.

Imogen Stirling, a poet, theatre-maker and musician, takes on the new role, which is funded by Creative Scotland and includes engaging with the audience through various events and online workshops.

The Paisley Book Festival is funded by Renfrewshire Council and delivered in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure.

Next year's event will take place from February 18-27 and the theme will be Radical New Futures, which centres around the coronavirus pandemic and our ability to be resilient, rebuild and create new narratives.

Imogen said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Paisley Book Festival’s first writer-in-residence. In a tumultuous year, this role offers brilliant scope for social connection and creative outreach, nurturing new literary voices to represent Paisley's diverse community.

"Day by day, the call for inspirational radicalism that will build a better future grows louder. I look forward to creating exciting work in response.”

Paisley Book Festival co-producer Keira Brown added: “Imogen had some very creative and interesting approaches to community-led workshops that we felt would be more effective for groups who have been most affected by lockdown to engage with the festival.

"We are thrilled with her appointment and very excited to see what comes from her time with us.”