The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Festival first for Black Watch Museum
The first book festival to be held at the historic Black Watch Castle and Museum will take place this weekend.
Words of War will bring local, national and international writers to Perth on Saturday and Sunday.
Festival patron, Professor Sir Hew Strachan said: “The dynamism of The Black Watch Castle and Museum is inspirational. Military history in Britain is thriving, and the ‘Words of War’ Book Festival will be an unprecedented opportunity to hear some of its most distinguished practitioners talk about their work.”
The festival will include talks, interviews, workshops and book signings as authors explore aspects of military life. There will also be a pop-up book shop at the event.
Chief executive of The Black Watch Castle and Museum Anne Kinnes said: “Our ‘Words of War’ Book Festival builds on the very successful lecture programme the castle and museum have been hosting for the last five years.
“This has given us an understanding of the increasing interest in military history and the related personal stories.
“We hope this unique event will become a highlight within the everexpanding Perthshire calendar.”
Speakers at the event will include local author Alice Soper, who will provide an insight into the life of her father, former Black Watch soldier Pipe Major Robert Roy. Alice’s book, The Piper of Tobruk, tells how her father kept playing his bagpipes on the ground, even after being shot three times by Libyan soldiers in 1941. Also in attendance will be war journalist and political commentator, Paul Moorcroft, who is set to share his experiences in danger zones.
The book festival is open to people of all ages, including children. Author Gill Arbuthnott will host a free children’s event, which will explore the story of a young man who fought in the First World War.