After more than 20 years at the helm of one of the UK’s best-loved book festivals, Alistair Moffat will step down as a Director at the close of the Borders Book Festival in June this year.
When he established the Book Festival back in 2004, it was, in his own words, ‘a punt’. “It was a way”, says Alistair, “of bringing some of the best and brightest voices from across the UK – indeed from across the world — to the beautiful sanctuary of Melrose in the Scottish Borders at the height of summer. It was my dream, and it became reality.”
Paula Ogilvie joined him shortly afterwards and soon began to develop initiatives for the Book Festival, including schools and community programmes.
Fast forward nearly a quarter of a century, and Borders Book Festival is a beloved stalwart on the literary calendar, with guests over the years having included stars of stage and screen, literary royalty, comedy gold, sporting greats, well-known faces (and voices) from news and current affairs, fashion icons, cookery sensations, and many, many more.
Following Alistair’s departure, co-director Paula Ogilvie — his creative partner throughout — will continue to lead the annual Borders Book Festival, with support from guest programmers.
Paula will take full control of programming from 2027, with the Borders Book Festival team supporting her, many of whom have also played an important role in the annual literary extravaganza since its formative years.