**Nicola Sturgeon and Irvine Welsh Among Headline Names for 2025 Edinburgh International Book Festival**
The highly anticipated programme for this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival has been officially unveiled, revealing a vibrant and diverse line-up of speakers that includes prominent names from the worlds of politics, literature, stage and screen. Notably, former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be presenting at the festival, alongside acclaimed novelist Irvine Welsh, pioneering authors, and a host of celebrated figures.
Running from 9th to 24th August, the festival promises a compelling array of events, reflecting its commitment to broadening perspectives and sparking engaging conversations. In a move that is likely to draw significant attention, Nicola Sturgeon will use the occasion to launch her forthcoming memoir, “Frankly”. She will be joined in conversation by broadcaster Kirsty Wark, participating in the festival’s prestigious Front List series, which aims to put major cultural works under the microscope.
Irvine Welsh, the internationally recognised author best known for “Trainspotting”, is also set to make a notable appearance. Welsh’s new novel “Men In Love”, which reunites his iconic characters amidst the backdrop of the late 1980s rave culture, will provide the foundation for a discussion titled “Second Summer of Love”. The session promises to explore whether love is the antidote sought by modern men, in keeping with Welsh’s trademark wit and insight.
Other literary heavyweights include Maggie O’Farrell and Alexander McCall Smith, whose works have both garnered critical acclaim and a loyal readership. Their participation underscores the festival’s on-going reputation for attracting some of the most influential voices in contemporary writing.
The line-up extends into other artistic domains, with appearances from comedian Julian Clary and celebrated actors such as Viggo Mortensen, Sam Heughan, and Dame Vanessa Redgrave. Their inclusion points to the festival’s desire to transcend the boundaries of traditional literary events, making space for wider cultural exchanges.
Reflecting on broader societal topics, this year’s central theme is “Repair”. Festival organisers have described it as an urgent examination of the various facets of modern life that feel broken, and a search for novel ways to mend them. Jenny Niven, the festival’s director, emphasised the need for constructive and hopeful dialogue. “At a time when key discussions can swiftly devolve into animosity, we want the Edinburgh International Book Festival to stand as a sanctuary for challenging yet thoughtful debate,” she remarked. Niven also highlighted that over 600 writers and creative minds, representing 35 countries, will be appearing, bringing a remarkable diversity of views to audiences.
Beyond the headline acts, the festival continues to be a platform for current affairs, with political figures such as MP Diane Abbott scheduled to appear. Sports commentator Ally McCoist will reflect on his storied career, while former Scottish first minister Henry McLeish is preparing to debate the progress of Scottish devolution with political academic James Mitchell. Historian David Starkey, former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, and journalist Ash Sarkar are among others contributing fresh insight into contemporary economics, politics, and identity.
The festival will also host discussions on international conflicts, most notably featuring Palestinian writer Ilan Pappe and Israeli historian Avi Shlaim. Together, they will address the question of peace in the Middle East, promising a session that is both timely and poignant given ongoing global tensions.
For its younger audience, the children’s programme remains a highlight, featuring over 100 events with notable names such as Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson, and Cressida Cowell. Workshops like bookbinder Rachel Hazell’s “Junk Journals”, which transforms old volumes into creative new journals, also aim to inspire the next generation of book lovers.
Remote participation continues to play a critical role, with author Hanif Kureishi scheduled to speak virtually about his journey to recovery following the life-altering accident that left him paralysed. In an event titled “Shattered But Unbroken”, Kureishi is set to share stories from dictating his thoughts to family members post-injury, a testimony to the resilience of creativity.
As anticipation builds ahead of its August launch, the Edinburgh International Book Festival continues to cement its status as a flagship event on the literary calendar, championing dialogue, creativity, and the enduring power of the written and spoken word.