Reading Minds book fest in Helensburgh celebrates success

Literature lovers attended variety of talks, workshops, and events around the town.

This year’s festival was organised by the Helensburgh Community Hub, Jean's Bothy, and the Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre, alongside local authors Robin Scott-Elliot, Cailean Steed, and Graham Morgan.

Hub development manager Gill Simpson said: "It was an utterly brilliant weekend. So many people told us how much they enjoyed the different events, both the warm and welcoming community style of the festival and the quality of authors that came.

"We really think there was something for everyone with the range of topics covered from teenage horror novels to the best-selling gangland crime novel Squeak Clean to nature writing and poetry. It was great to be able to include young people with the school events.

"It was amazing to listen to author Karen Campbell talking about her novel Paper Cup in the wonderful setting of the drawing room at Hill House and to see so many people supporting the events and chatting with each other about books over tea and cake.

"We also tried something a bit different with the Publishing and Pitching session - it turned out to be really well attended and ever so interesting. We think helpful for aspiring local writers.”

She added: "All in all, it couldn't really have gone better and we are already thinking about how to make it bigger and better next year.

“We are really grateful to everyone who came along, and to the local businesses like The Scandanavian Shop and The Ginger Breadman as well as the team at Hill House who supports us to make it a very special weekend.”

Events were also held at Hill House, Colgrain Primary, and Hermitage Academy.

(Photos courtesy of Reading Minds)