First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been announced as a guest host at the Paisley Book Festival.

She will present the ‘What Maks a Makar’ event at the Students’ Union in the town's Storie Street on Saturday, February 26.

Those who go along can hear Ms Sturgeon in conversation with Scots Makar Kathleen Jamie as she discusses her career to date.

Also taking part will be Robyn Marsack, former director of the Scottish Poetry Library.

The position of Scots Maker was established by the Scottish Government in 2004 to celebrate the importance of poetry in culture and history.

Kathleen was named the current Makar last summer, following in the footsteps of Edwin Morgan, Liz Lochhead and Jackie Kay.

Ms Sturgeon said: “The Paisley Book Festival is a great opportunity to highlight the work of some of the fantastic writers who live here in Scotland and to uncover some new and exciting authors.

“I am a firm believer in the power of reading and the many benefits it can bring. Poetry especially plays a key part in Scotland’s culture and history and the role of the Makar is an extremely important one.

“I look forward to speaking with Kathleen Jamie to discuss the part she plays in promoting poetry, as well as her own writing process.”

Jess Orr, associate programmer for the Paisley Book Festival, added: “We were absolutely delighted to hear that the First Minister wanted to take part in this year’s festival, as a leader whose passion and enthusiasm for the transformative power of books and stories in our lives has become well known.

"This important conversation between three of Scotland’s most inspirational advocates for the written word will be an absolute treat and we can’t wait to welcome them all to Paisley.”

The event runs from 4pm until 5pm and ticket prices start at £8.

For more details or to book, visit https://paisleybookfest.com.