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PICTURES: Caithness Book Festival success despite organiser being hospitalised





The Caithness Book Festival (CBF) saw authors travel from near and far to take part in the event at its new venue of Murkle Hall.

A sudden illness hospitalised organiser Glyn Salisbury and he was unable to attend but was given updates on the talks by eight authors who are at various stages of their careers.

Caithness author Glyn Salisbury, the force behind the book festival, was unable to attend due to a sudden illness.
Caithness author Glyn Salisbury, the force behind the book festival, was unable to attend due to a sudden illness.

The show kicked off on Friday with J D Currums detailing the inspiration for her current crime series based in the Highlands. This was followed by Jonathan Creed, with his flare for crime stories in the Sutherland area, who shared his journey of working as a writer in the Highlands.

Authors Jonathan Creed from Golspie, Juliette Currums from Thurso and Gideon Hodge from Alabama in the US at the Caithness Book Festival held at Murkle Hall. Pictures supplied
Authors Jonathan Creed from Golspie, Juliette Currums from Thurso and Gideon Hodge from Alabama in the US at the Caithness Book Festival held at Murkle Hall. Pictures supplied
Children’s trophies at the festival.
Children’s trophies at the festival.

A CBF spokesperson said: “The Saturday gave us a taste of the extraordinary journey of an NHS dietician as Evelyn Newman summarised her unusual story taking her around the world and to unexpected places.

“Beth Jordan’s colourful tales of her time in Cuba added a real flavour to the event and the details of her forthcoming memoir started some wonderful conversations around the impact of Alzheimer’s.

“Gideon Hodge, who won the prize for the furthest journey, having travelled from America, provided some real insight into the central theme he finds crucial in all his writing – examining not what happened or how, but why.”

Gideon Hodge and Aurora Walker from America talking to Castletown author Tricia Little.
Gideon Hodge and Aurora Walker from America talking to Castletown author Tricia Little.
Mark Bridgeman created a mock courtroom at the event.
Mark Bridgeman created a mock courtroom at the event.

Saturday evening ended with a mock courtroom created by Mark Bridgeman as he took attendees through his ‘Trial by Jury’. This was a “truly engaging” look at a historic crime from Perthshire in the 1940’s. “No spoilers but if you can head to one of these events I’d certainly recommend it,” said the festival spokesperson.

Sunday started dark and gruesome as Charlotte Platt gave a thoughtful guide on world building for dark fantasy and horror. Babs Stevenson returned for the third year running to talk about her most recent work, The Clockmaker of Perth.

Barbara Stevenson from Orkney with two of her books.
Barbara Stevenson from Orkney with two of her books.
Castletown Primary winners with author Jonathan Creed at left.
Castletown Primary winners with author Jonathan Creed at left.
Another winner from Castletown Primary School.
Another winner from Castletown Primary School.

The festival drew to a close with the children’s writing competition. “The room was still while their stories were read to the enthralled crowd. It was a pleasure to listen to the stories and look forward to our authors of the future. An inspiring group of children.

“Overall, a magical event has drawn to an end, bringing together book lover’s, authors and those considering taking the leap into writing their first book. As ever, the supportive atmosphere among all that attended was to be commended.”

Castletown Primary winner with judges Jonathan Creed and Anne-Marie Reid who are both authors.
Castletown Primary winner with judges Jonathan Creed and Anne-Marie Reid who are both authors.
One of the Castletown Primary School winners does a reading at the event.
One of the Castletown Primary School winners does a reading at the event.

The CBF sent out a “huge thank you to Carolyn and her helpers Winnie and Donna” who kept everything running while Glyn was in hospital. “All at the festival wish Glyn a speedy recovery.”

The CBF said it was a thoroughly enjoyable event and gave a special thanks to the Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising group which provided delicious refreshments throughout.

There were 54 children’s entries and 12 winners on the night. The remaining 42 will receive Good Effort Certificates and Glyn, along with his partner Carolyn, will present these to the children after the school holidays. “This is the third year and they love it,” said Glyn.


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