NEW CHAPTER FOR BOOK FESTIVAL

Stars of literary world flock to Paisley

- EXPRESS REPORTER

Renowned Scottish crime writers, a former First Minister, a record-breaking explorer and one of the nation's most famous newsreaders will all star at this year's Paisley Book Festival.

Now in its seventh year, the festival has grown into a significant fixture in the national and regional literary calendar, drawing people to the town from across Scotland.

Centred around the theme Everyday Heroes, Everlasting Icons, the three-day event - from May 15 to May 17 - will welcome leading writers, thinkers and creatives to explore who their role models are and what makes a hero.

Christopher Brookmyre and Doug Johnstone will celebrate their collective 50 years of publishing in a special anniversary event hosted by fellow author and 'Fun-Loving Crime Writers' bandmate Val McDermid at Paisley Town Hall.

Brookmyre, who will discuss the return of his rogue journalist 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."

They will be on stage with queen of Tartan Noir, Val McDermid, who also has her own event discussing Silent Bones, the latest in her Karen Pirie series.

McDermid added: "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".

In the immediate aftermath of her 27 years as an MSP coming to a close, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will share stories about life following on from leadership from her bestselling memoir, Frankly.