Paisley Book Festival announces 2026 line-up including Nicola Sturgeon

Returning from May 15 to 17, this year's festival will feature a packed programme of author talks, special events and creative sessions.

Now in its seventh year, the festival has become a major fixture on the national and regional literary calendar, attracting audiences from across Scotland.

This year’s festival explores the theme Everyday Heroes and Everlasting Icons.

Journalists, politicians and explorers are also on the line-up.

Paisley Town Hall will host a special event marking 50 years of collective publishing between crime writers Christopher Brookmyre and Doug Johnstone.

The event will be led by fellow author and Fun-Loving Crime Writers bandmate Val McDermid.

Val McDermid (Image: Charlotte Graham)

Christopher Brookmyre (Image: Bob McDevitt)

Brookmyre, who will discuss the return of his character Jack Parlabane in his latest release, said: "I am massively looking forward to giving Jack Parlabane a hometown event at Paisley Book Festival.

"I’ve hugely enjoyed my previous visits, but coming here with Quite Ugly One Evening, 30 years after Paisley’s most incorrigible investigative hack made his debut, promises to be special."

McDermid will also host her own session on her latest Karen Pirie novel, Silent Bones.

She said: "I love the audience in Paisley.

"They’re engaged, enthusiastic and never shy of asking the best questions.

"I’m looking forward to their warmth again."

Other featured guests include The Young Team author Graeme Armstrong, former BBC broadcaster Sally Magnusson and adventurer Mollie Hughes - the youngest woman to climb both sides of Mount Everest.

Doug Johnstone (Image: OneRen)

Graeme Armstrong (Image: OneRen)

Mollie Hughes (Image: OneRen)

Armstrong will speak about his new novel Raveheart, inspired by Scotland’s underground rave scene.

He said: "My first appearance at Paisley Book Festival was digital during the pandemic and it’s gone from strength to strength since.

"Its radical tradition, strong community focus and creative daring feel ever-present as hosts, writers and readers respond to compelling and challenging themes in an increasingly turbulent and fragmentary world, such as place, home and masculinity.

"There is always a vibrant roster of literary talent and Scottish icons included, and I’m delighted to return with my new novel Raveheart for Everyday Heroes, Everlasting Icons."

Writer David Keenan will discuss his new novel Boyhood, and Jenni Fagan will present The Delusions, described as one of Scotland’s most anticipated books of 2026.

Jenni Fagan (Image: OneRen)

Sally Magnusson (Image: Derek Prescott)

The festival will also explore neurodiversity in writing and publishing at a dedicated Neurodiversity Writers’ Salon, hosted by Elspeth Wilson and Tom Newlands.

Healthcare will feature on the agenda in a session with Professor Devi Sridhar and Edinburgh GP and author Gavin Francis.

The pair will challenge myths surrounding healthcare and mental health in the UK.

Football and poetry combine in an event from The Hampden Collection Makars, who will honour forgotten heroes of Scottish football through storytelling and verse.

Author Sally Magnusson will take part in the festival’s Reclaiming History’s Heroines strand, discussing her latest novel The Shapeshifter’s Daughter, inspired by the Norse legend of Hel.

To close things off, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will speak during a final event at Paisley Town Hall.

Following 27 years as an MSP, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will appear to discuss life after leadership during a session on her best-selling memoir, Frankly.

Nicola Sturgeon (Image: Charlotte Hadden)

Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of OneRen, said: "We are delighted to announce another fantastic line-up for Paisley Book Festival.

"The strength and breadth of this year’s programme reflects the reputation the festival now holds among writers, artists and audiences.

"We’re inviting audiences to explore what heroism means - from iconic public figures to everyday people whose courage, creativity and resilience helps shape our communities.

"The programme celebrates established literary voices while championing bold new talent, creating space for powerful conversations about history, nature, language, identity and belonging.

"The festival is also a celebration of Paisley itself - its stories, culture and future.

"Through arts and cultural investment, we are not only honouring the town's rich heritage but helping to create opportunities and support our local economy.

"This festival is a vital part of that journey, bringing people together and showcasing the transformative power of words."

The festival, supported by Creative Scotland, will see events held across Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Central Library.

Tickets are available now, with many events offered on a pay-what-you-can basis.