Scottish Stories Take Centre Stage in London as St Andrew’s Book Festival Returns

From bestselling authors and familiar faces to emerging literary talent, the London St Andrew’s Book Festival returns this November for a week celebrating Scottish literature, culture and creativity.

Scottish storytelling will take centre stage in London next week as the London St Andrew’s Book Festival returns for its third year, bringing together some of Scotland’s best-known writers, broadcasters and creative voices.

Taking place from the 16th to 22nd of November, the festival will feature a week of conversations, readings and special events across venues in central London, including Scotland House, St Columba’s Church, the Caledonian Club and Fundment.

Organised by Scots in London, the festival has grown from an idea launched in 2024 into an established celebration of Scottish literature and culture in the capital.

This year's programme reflects that ambition, combining internationally recognised names with emerging writers and exploring subjects ranging from crime fiction and poetry to history, politics, adventure and Scottish identity.

A programme bringing together established and emerging voices

Among the headline names appearing this year are acclaimed crime novelist Val McDermid, former Scottish Makar Jackie Kay, bestselling author Chris Brookmyre, broadcaster Carol Kirkwood and actor Bill Paterson.

The programme also features ITV Political Editor Robert Peston, forensic scientist Professor Lady Sue Black and broadcaster Gavin Esler, bringing a range of perspectives to discussions that extend well beyond traditional literary subjects.

On Friday, Jackie Kay will join poets Len Pennie and Hannah Lavery for a celebration of spoken word and Scottish storytelling, exploring themes of identity, language and place.

Elsewhere, Bill Paterson will reflect on growing up in 1950s Glasgow and his five-decade acting career, while Val McDermid will explore Scotland's history alongside Geographer Royal for Scotland Jo Sharp in a discussion of the ill-fated Darien scheme.

The festival is also providing a platform for new literary talent. A dedicated Debuts Showcase on Wednesday 18 November will introduce audiences to four emerging writers: Mhairi Collie, Avril Millar, Christina Riley and Kirsty Lockwood.

Their work spans fiction, personal experience, nature writing and contemporary social issues, demonstrating the breadth of Scotland's developing literary scene.

More than a literary festival

While books remain at the heart of the programme, the festival also celebrates the wider influence of Scottish ideas, achievements and experiences.

One of the more unusual sessions will see brothers Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean share the story of their record-breaking 9,750-mile row across the Pacific Ocean, an extraordinary challenge that raised more than £1 million for clean water projects.

Other events will explore the Scottish Colourists, the country's history, modern espionage and the challenges of navigating an increasingly complex information age.

Together, these conversations reflect the variety of stories that Scotland has to tell and the continuing influence of Scottish voices across different fields.

Keeping Scotland connected beyond its borders

The festival is organised by Scots in London, an umbrella organisation bringing together Scottish cultural societies, sports clubs, alumni groups, charities, churches and other organisations across the capital.

Its work centres on promoting Scottish culture, heritage and the arts while strengthening connections between the many communities with links to Scotland, with the St Andrew’s Book Festival being a particularly visible example of that mission.

For Scotland's communities beyond its borders, events like this provide an opportunity to celebrate shared heritage while introducing Scottish culture to new audiences, they also demonstrate that Scotland's international connections are not built through business and trade alone. Literature, music, art and storytelling all play an important role in maintaining relationships, creating conversations and bringing people together.

Scottish Business Network, a partner of Scots in London, is supporting the promotion of this year's festival as part of its wider commitment to strengthening connections between Scotland and its international communities.

With a programme featuring both familiar names and new voices, the 2026 London St Andrew’s Book Festival offers audiences an opportunity to discover, discuss and celebrate the stories that continue to shape Scotland's cultural identity.

Event information

Programme and tickets: www.standrewsbookfestival.org

Tickets are available for individual events through the festival website.