NessBookFest returns to Inverness in October 2025 with a rich programme of free literary events, workshops, and performances. This year’s theme is Nature, and the festival once again upholds its ethos of accessibility by offering every event without charge.
Below, we provide a detailed guide to the programme, venues, guest authors, and opportunities for audiences to engage with Scotland’s vibrant literary community.
Overview of NessBookFest 2025
- Dates: Thursday 2 October – Saturday 4 October 2025
- Theme: Nature
- Locations: Eden Court Theatre, Discovery College, The Bike Shed, and other partner venues across Inverness
- Tickets: Free of charge via Ticket Tailor
- Supporters: Scottish Book Trust, Cairngorm Group, Ablekids Press, My Primary and Secondary Tutor
The festival celebrates both established writers and emerging voices, offering audiences a chance to engage directly with authors, poets, academics, and performers.
Events
Philip Paris Book Launch: A Fire in Their Hearts
- When: Thursday 2 October, 19:30 – 21:30
- Where: Maclean Room, Eden Court Theatre
- Details:
Philip Paris unveils his latest historical novel, A Fire in Their Hearts, set in 17th-century Scotland. Known for evocative storytelling and meticulous research, Paris promises an evening of literary insight, discussion of craft, and a Q&A session.
Billy Kay with Robyn Stapleton: Born in Kyle
- When: Friday 3 October, 19:30 – 21:00
- Where: Eden Court Maclean Room
- Details:
A leading voice in the Scots language revival, Billy Kay reflects on heritage, identity, and the enduring vitality of Scots. Joined by acclaimed singer Robyn Stapleton, the event blends literature and music in a celebration of culture and community.
Meet the Books with Ian Blyth
- When: Saturday 4 October, 11:00 – 12:00
- Where: Discovery College, Eastgate Centre
- Details:
Ian Blyth introduces Gilbert White’s The Natural History of Selborne, a cornerstone of British nature writing. This session explores the book’s creation, influence, and continuing relevance in our relationship with the natural world.
NessBookFest Writing Competition Awards 2025
- When: Saturday 4 October, 11:00 – 12:00
- Where: Discovery College, Eastgate Centre
- Details:
The annual awards celebrate new talent with the theme Nature. Winning entries will be read aloud, offering a glimpse into the creativity of the Highlands’ next generation of writers.
Shelagh Chaimbeul: Ailig agus an Dalek Gàidhlig
- When: Saturday 4 October, 11:00 – 12:00
- Where: Discovery College, Eastgate Centre
- Details:
Award-winning Gaelic author Shelagh Chaimbeul presents her children’s book Ailig agus an Dalek Gàidhlig. This event showcases the strength of Gaelic literature today and highlights her contributions to both children’s and adult fiction.
LD Lapinski: Comics-Making Workshop
- When: Saturday 4 October, 13:30 – 15:00
- Where: Discovery College, Eastgate Centre
- Audience: Ages 12+
- Details:
International bestselling author L. D. Lapinski leads a hands-on session guiding participants through the process of creating comics. Attendees will learn about storyboarding, character design, and visual storytelling.
Writing Workshop with Merryn Glover
- When: Saturday 4 October, 13:30 – 15:00
- Where: Discovery College, Eastgate Centre
- Details:
Novelist Merryn Glover, a former Writer in Residence for the Cairngorms National Park, delivers a workshop that encourages creativity and confidence in storytelling.
A Write Difference & UHI Scribblers Showcase
- When: Saturday 4 October, 16:00 – 17:00
- Where: The Bike Shed, Inverness
- Details:
A showcase of new writing from UHI graduates and the Scribblers collective. Expect original short stories, poetry, and experimental work from emerging voices.
NBF Poetry Slam 2025
- When: Saturday 4 October, 18:30 – 21:00
- Where: The Bike Shed, Inverness
- Details:
A live poetry competition filled with energy, rhythm, and audience participation. Poets compete for the title of NBF Poetry Slam Champion 2025 and a place in the Scottish National Finals 2026.
Venues
- Eden Court Theatre: Bishops Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA
- Discovery College: Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness, IV2 3PP
- The Bike Shed: Grant Street, Inverness, IV3 8BN
Festival Support and Sponsorship
NessBookFest 2025 is made possible through collaboration with:
- Scottish Book Trust – national support for literature and new writers
- Cairngorm Group – local sponsorship sustaining festival activities
- Ablekids Press – independent bilingual children’s publisher based in Inverness
- My Primary and Secondary Tutor – award-winning tuition service supporting education and literacy
Booking Tickets
- Platform: Ticket Tailor
- Cost: All events are free
- Advice: Seats are limited; book early to avoid disappointment
Attendees may bring cash to purchase books directly from authors at in-person events. Donations are encouraged to help sustain future editions of the festival.
Why NessBookFest Matters
NessBookFest is not only a literary gathering but also a cultural celebration of language, heritage, and storytelling in the Scottish Highlands. By keeping all events free, the festival ensures inclusivity while highlighting the richness of both established and emerging writers.
For readers, writers, students, and visitors to Inverness, the 2025 edition promises to be one of the most dynamic festivals to date.
Plan Your Inverness Adventure
Inverness offers an incredible mix of history, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring its ancient castles, cruising along the Moray Firth, or delving into the Highlands’ biggest FREE book festival, there’s something to captivate every traveller. Start planning your journey today with Inverness Taxis!
Take the stress out of getting to and from these great landmarks in Inverness and prebook your Inverness Taxi through our convenient platforms:
Call Inverness Taxis on 01463222222
Download our partner app SafeKab to book your Inverness taxi at the touch of a button.
You can also get your taxi from our city centre Inverness Taxi office on Church Street
