Ryan RutherfordA visionary behind a beloved literary event in the Scottish Borders, Alistair Moffat, is set to conclude his tenure as director after more than two decades of bringing “some of the best and brightest voices” to Melrose.
Established in 2004, the Borders Book Festival was Moffat’s brainchild, conceived to foster a vibrant gathering of international literary talent. He has decided to step down following the festival’s upcoming June edition this year.
Paula Ogilvie, who has been involved with the festival since its nascent stages, will assume the leadership, supported by a team of guest programmers to guide the event’s future direction.
Lloyd Smith Photography“Paula has been my partner in this endeavor for years and possesses an intimate understanding of the festival,” Moffat remarked. “It’s deeply ingrained in her, much like it is in me.”
He added, “I eagerly anticipate observing from the periphery as the festival continues to flourish under her capable leadership. It will also be a pleasure to finally enjoy a day off on my birthday in June 2027, a luxury I haven’t had in over two decades.”
Lloyd Smith PhotographyMoffat’s final directorial act will be a session reminiscing with broadcaster Rory Bremner about their four-decade-long friendship.
Ogilvie is set to assume full programming responsibilities starting next year.
“Having been a joint director of Borders Book Festival for so many years, I like to think I know my way around the place – and the role – pretty well,” she stated.
“We’ll all miss Alistair, of course, but I’m delighted to be continuing what we’ve created, knowing, perhaps more than anybody else, what potential the book festival has to keep growing, evolving, inspiring and entertaining.”
“Once the 2026 festival is behind us, it’ll be all systems go for 2027.”
Borders Book Festival line-up offers ‘space to escape’
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Details can be found on the website : www.bbc.com