Nicola Sturgeon, Val McDermid and Sally Magnusson are among the authors set to appear at Paisley Book Festival this year.
Now in its seventh year, the 2026 festival line-up will see even more talent from across Scotland in attendance at the event which has become a significant fixture in the national and regional literary calendar.
With this year’s programme centred around the theme “Everyday Heroes, Everlasting Icons”, the three-day event will take place from Friday, May 15 until Sunday, May 17 with tickets on sale Friday, March 6. Events will be held at Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Central Library.
Other guests include McDermid’s fellow Fun-Loving Crime Writers bandmates Christopher Brookmyre and Doug Johnstone, as well as David Keenan, Mollie Hughes, Graeme Armstrong and more.
Here is the full line-up of guests and authors for the 2026 Paisley Book Festival.
13. Leyla Josephine, Iona Lee and Colin Bramwell
Hosting a Paisley Flyting, Gubsmacked – formed of Scottish poets Leyla Josephine, Iona Lee and Colin Bramwell (pictured) – will reimagine the medieval Scottish tradition of Flyting, a poetry rap battle in all but name. | AFP via Getty Images
14. Julie McNeil, Donna Matthew, and Hugh McMillan
Ahead of Scotland’s appearance at the upcoming World Cup, The Hampden Collection Makars will host an event as part of the 2026 Paisley Book Festival. This event will see Julie McNeill, Gaffer of the Hampden Collection and Poet in Residence at St Mirren FC, Donna Matthew, Makar for the Scottish Women’s National Team Poetry Society, and Hugh McMillan, Makar for the Scottish Men’s National Team Collection, bringing untold stories to life. | Getty Images