Book lovers set sail for Tighnabruaich

Tighnabruaich’s Write By The Sea book festival has announced the line-up for this year’s event, which takes place on March 14 and 15.

The new, bijou book festival celebrates work inspired by nature and place and offers book lovers the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning Cowal Peninsula and enjoy lively, literary activities in friendly venues.

Explore fresh new writing by Kate Davies, acclaimed for her thought-provoking works on a range of topics, from landscape to feminist works, and her powerful and insightful personal memoirs Handywoman.

Another writer influenced by Scottish sea engulfed landscapes is Shetlander Malacky Tallack, author of the widely recognised 60 Degrees North and The Valley at the Centre of the World. Bringing the Cowal Peninsula to the centre of things, Malacky will be celebrating the rural character of people and place and sharing his insights at the Kames Hotel waterfront.

Don’t miss Crossing: A Love Story by Anna Seghers, with translator Douglas Irving. This is a recent translation of an incredible transatlantic journey from Brazil to East Germany at the height of the Cold War.

Take part in a creative writing workshop with Mandy Haggith, creator of The Walrus Mutterer and other magical Iron Age histories. The surrounding Glenan Woods are sure to inspire book and nature lovers.

Organisers also hope to see people in the library to uncover The Ardlamont Mystery, by Daniel Smith, which delves into the fascinating human truths behind the world’s favourite detective Sherlock Holmes, suitably located on the Ardlamont Estate. Mandy Hamilton, David Hawson and Nick Walker will be at Botanica at the Barn talking about their sensational creation, The Puffer Cookbook.

Tighnabruaich Gallery will host an exhibition by photographer Tom Barr, with an opening on Friday March 13, and for the children there is Puppets on the Pier, with Alison Clark of the Triple Aspect Puppet Company.

Some of the nicest restaurants on the peninsula are close to the action. Breathe in the aroma of Argyll’s Secret Roast, premium locally-ground coffee, and sample the delights of Northern Lights Cakery whilst in the pop up festival hub and bookshop by Bookpoint.

There will also be a literary pub quiz at the Royal an Lochan Hotel.

Worth a special mention is Argyll-based designer Eve

Campbell, who designed the striking book festival website. Eve, a versatile designer working in print design and textiles with Scottish Galleries, is due to exhibit her work in New York next month. Eve takes inspiration from ‘shapes and patterns of the cultural landscapes on the west coast of Scotland’.

Write by the Sea Festival is curated by the community. The festival is supported by Tighnabruaich District

Development Trust, CalMac and Wild About Argyll.

A weekend ticket costs £70 and gives access to all events, excluding Puppets on the Pier and the creative writing workshop with Mandy Haggith due to limited space. Tickets for these events can be bought from www.writebythesea.co.uk