Top line-up delivers another blockbuster Paisley Book Festival

A legendary author, celebrity chefs and musical heroes helped to write a fantastic new chapter for Paisley Book Festival.

Fine Scottish talent was to the fore in sell-out discussions with writers, inspirational storytelling with schoolchildren, a family fun day and tours of the town.

Audiences from across the country descended on Paisley for the three-day showcase between Friday and Sunday (April 25 – 27).

Trainspotting creator Irvine Welsh was among the big attractions, taking to the stage on Friday evening to discuss Resolution, the latest instalment of his recent Crime series, with fellow author Ewan Morrison, whose new novel For Emma is a big-tech thriller.

Asked by Morrison about the theme of redemption which has run through his books of recent years, Welsh reflected the festival theme of The Lives We Live as he said: “You can make characters as bad, troubled, angry or abusive as possible, but you have got to have them reaching for the light switch as well.

“There’s got to be a sense that they are trying to get better.

“Life should be about growth. Part of growth is making mistakes and learning from them. If we don’t make these mistakes, we don’t really grow.

“In fiction, people will stick with somebody, so long as they are trying to do better.”

Other highlights of the weekend included a focus on food with The Hebridean Baker Coinneach MacLeod, alongside Glasgow chef Julie Lin, Highland restaurant owner Pam Brunton and Edinburgh-based writer Katie Goh.

Their discussion Food for the Soul was perfectly timed as Paisley Food Festival took place outside the Town Hall.

Paisley’s remarkable musical story, meanwhile, was told through special tours of the town via Glasgow Music City Tours. The influences of music on writing were celebrated across the weekend – Belle and Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch took to the stage to chat about his debut novel, Nobody’s Empire – and played a few tunes too.

Festival organisers OneRen were delighted with how the festival, now in its sixth year, went.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen, said: “We’re delighted that the latest edition of Paisley Book Festival has been another blockbuster success. The reaction from our audiences has been fantastic.

“From household names to rising stars, the festival has shone a spotlight on the very best of Scottish writing and storytelling – as well as on so much of what Paisley and wider Renfrewshire has to offer.

“It’s clear how much people have enjoyed the events we have staged and the remarkable – often inspirational – insights they have given into The Lives We Live.”

Other major highlights of the festival included inspirational and fun schools and family programmes.

Hundreds of schoolchildren from across Renfrewshire took part as authors held a series of events in 14 schools and libraries involving youngsters ranging from P1 to S3.

Award-winning poet Joseph Coelho entertained schoolchildren at Paisley Central Library as part of that with highlights from his Luna Loves series.

He said: “It was a delight and a pleasure to meet all the children who attended the event. I was really impressed with how excited they were to hear all about Luna’s adventures and how interactive they were when they helped me to create a poem about the sun.”

A Family Fun Day on Saturday featured the characters of GRIZZLY BEN! Ready – Teddy – GO!, Alan Dapre’s picture book about a boy who becomes a bear, as well as JL Givens’ The Witch and the Snitch – highlighting the Paisley Witch Trials – the Experts Radio Lab and more.

Other acclaimed writers who appeared included Paisley-born Karen Campbell, showcasing her new bookThis Bright Life and Renfrew’s Duck Feet creator Ely Percy.

Paisley Book Festival 2025 is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

Photo: Creative Writing with Imogen Stirling