Book Week Scotland Kicks Off This Week: Edinburgh's Top Events

Book Week Scotland begins this week, a vibrant annual celebration of books and reading that unfolds throughout the country every November.

Now in its thirteenth year, this event brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to revel in the joy of reading.

With a thoughtfully curated programme from the Scottish Book Trust and the support of various partners, Book Week features hundreds of unique and engaging events that highlight the transformative power of literature.

We’ve compiled the best events in Edinburgh for you to experience.

Concrete Poetry with Iona Lee at Corstorphine Library, Monday 18^th November, 6pm

Iona Lee, a poet and performer from Edinburgh, is leading a workshop on visual, sound, and concrete poetry, encouraging exploration of nonsense and creativity.

With a decade of experience in Scotland’s live poetry scene, she has received accolades for her work, including the John Byrne Award for her poetry film "Away With the Faeries."

Her debut collection, "Anamnesis" (Polygon, 2023), won the Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Edwin Morgan Award.

Who's Aldo? A Leith Hero or Villain. The Sopranos but set in Leith at Leith Dockets Club, Tuesday 19^thNovember, 7pm

Meet Colin Burnett, author of "Who's Aldo?" and "A Working Class State of Mind," alongside Patrick Wallace, the voice of Aldo.

In this action-packed sequel, Edinburgh's charismatic antihero Aldo seeks redemption while navigating chaotic adventures with his pals and his dog, Bruce. As he juggles new love and family expectations, Aldo faces the challenge of transforming his life while maintaining his gangster reputation in a story that’s captivating, tender, and hilariously funny.

The Pleasures of Reading with Jackie Kay at The Portobello Bookshop, Wednesday 20^th November, 7pm

Join Jackie Kay as she reflects on how reading has shaped her life, alongside Philippa Cochrane and Dr. Sarah McGeown, who will discuss insights from the Reading and Wellbeing research project.

Attendees can participate in-person or online, and Jackie will sign her new poetry collection, "May Day," after the event.

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Faith, Hope & Perseverance: Ely Percy and Len Pennie on Scottish joy & Duck Feet at Pilrig St. Paul’s Church, Thursday 21^st November, 7pm

Join award-winning author Ely Percy and emerging poet Len Pennie as they delve into themes of Scottish joy, kinship, and camaraderie in Ely’s acclaimed novel, "Duck Feet."

This event is open to anyone aged 14 and older who lives in Scotland or has attended a Scottish high school.

Kate Foster: a Bewitching Historical Evening at Currie RFC Main Hall, Friday 22^nd November, 7:30pm

Kate, a national newspaper journalist from Edinburgh, draws inspiration from the city's rich history in her writing.

Her debut novel, The Maiden is a feminist reimagining of the legend of The White Lady of Corstorphine, which won the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year in 2023 and was longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2024.

Her second novel, The King’s Witches, is set in 1589, and follows Princess Anna of Denmark as she navigates royal duties and personal desires against the backdrop of witchcraft mania in Edinburgh.

Bringing Deaf Stories to Life at Deaf Action, Saturday 23^rd November, 2pm

Join an afternoon of storytelling with Luigi Lerose, a Deaf children’s writer, in an interactive workshop where you can create characters and build stories that reflect unique experiences.

The session will conclude with Luigi sharing the full story in BSL, and all communication methods will be supported for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Birds / Humans / Machines / Dolphins at Dance Base Studio, Sunday 24^th November, 1pm

This performance blends poetry, music, and acoustic recordings of dolphins and birds, giving voice to the non-human in innovative ways.

Poet, Genevieve Carver, was inspired by her residency with the University of Aberdeen's School of Biological Sciences and explores birdlife on a remote Orcadian island and studies dolphins and porpoises in the Moray Firth.

They’ll be joined by composer Lucie Treacher, and will present pieces from her pamphlet and EP, Hydrophonica, merging underwater recordings with spoken word and live music.