22 September 2018

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon helped get the 20th annual Wigtown Book Festival underway with a talk about her lifelong love of books. The discussion, hosted by author Damian Barr, explored the works that have shaped her and from which she has learned the most.

Thank you to the wonderful @WigtownBookFest for allowing me to talk books with @Damian_Barr this afternoon. Good luck with rest of your fantastic programme – and happy 20th year! https://t.co/SxdIBtXxKY

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 21, 2018

The First Minister said:

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to spend time discussing the books I’ve had the benefit of reading over the years and that have helped shape my life, and the importance I place, both from a personal and professional perspective, on making time to lose myself in a book.”

“The Wigtown Book Festival is a fantastic event on the literary calendar, and to have reached their 20th anniversary is a great achievement. I wish them all the best for a successful festival this year, and for many more to come.”

 

The First Minister also met young people from the festival’s Book Bridge team to chat about their favourite reads.
The Book Bridge team has played an important role in this year’s event, helping design a programme of events to appeal to 10-13 year olds like them.