The Edinburgh International Book Festival
The Edinburgh International Book Festival began in 1983 and is now a key event in the August Festival season, celebrated annually in the capital. Located in the beautiful and historic Charlotte Square Gardens amidst the elegant Georgian New Town, the Book Festival transforms the gardens into a magical tented village which in 2002 welcomed over 160,000 visitors over 18 days.

Throughout its 20-year history, the Book Festival has grown rapidly in size and scope to become the largest and most dynamic festival of its kind in the world, hosting over 650 events which draw major names from all corners of the literary world.

In 2001, a series of high profile debates and discussions were initiated and these hve now become one of the Festival's hallmarks. Each year writers from all over the world gather to become part of this unique forum in which audience and author meet to exchange thoughts and opinions on some of the world's most pressing issues.

Running alongside the general programme is the highly regarded Lloyds TSB Scotland Children's Programme, which has grown to become a leading showcase for children's writers and illustrators. Incorporating workshops, storytelling, panel discussions, author events and book signings, the Children's Programme is popular with both the public and schools alike and now ranks as the world's premier books and reading event for young people.

Word - the University of Aberdeen Writers' Festival
The Word Festival is one of Scotland's most popular literary events and takes place over three days in mid May at the University of Aberdeen and other arts venues around the city. Each year, Aberdeen's book festival attracts over 10,000 to events with celebrities, big international names and the cream of local talent participating in a packed programme of talks, readings, film screenings, art exhibitions, Gaelic literary events, children's workshops and storytelling, and four days of events for primary and secondary school pupils.

Scotland's Book Town Festival
For one weekend each September, the quiet little town of Wigtown in south west Scotland plays host to what is billed as the nation's most intimate book festival. Wigtown - Scotland's National Book Town - is a bibliophile's dream with over 30 bookshops catering for just about every taste and special interest.

Since it was launched in 1999, the Festival has prided itself in offering a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a selection of the UK's best-loved writers and performers in some of the most intimate and unusual settings imaginable. The events will take place in the Book Town Festival's cosy club marquee and in several of the town's book shops, some providing just enough room for a handful of lucky guests. In 2002, the Festival welcomed more than 3,000 visitors, with more expected next year.

In addition to a celebration of the written word, the Festival also offers a range of additonal attractions including workshops for budding writers, traditional music and dance at Scotland's most southerly distillery, Bladnoch, the 36-hours Festival Film Programme, free art exhibitions, puppet workshops and creative writing classes for children.

Bookshop Events
Bookshops across the country regularly host a variety of readings, signing and other events to which the public are invited. Usually free of charge, these can have a specific local flavour or be part of a national promotional tour by major authors. The national chains of Waterstones and Borders tend to attract attract the biggest names and they usually produce printed monthly catalogues of forthcoming events; you can also check the events planned for each of their shops on their respective websites.