Scottish literary festival director departs after 20 years

ADRIAN TURPIN will step down as director of Wigtown Book Festival after 20 years of being involved with the annual event.

Turpin began working at Wigtown in 2006 as a volunteer. A trained journalist he has previously worked for publications including The Independent, The Scotsman and The Sunday Times.

Turpin said, “This autumn’s festival will be my 20th at Wigtown, a run I’d have never imagined when I programmed my first event in 2006.

“The past year has been a huge one for the organisation, securing vital three-year support from Creative Scotland, acquiring a permanent new home, and winning the national Thistle Award for Scotland’s Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival.

“After the long haul of rebuilding audiences following the pandemic, it feels like a very natural moment to pass on the baton, and I’m excited about new creative opportunities ahead.”

CATHY AGNEW, chair of the Wigtown Festival Company, added, “The festival has grown enormously in terms of size, audience and impact in large part due to Adrian’s efforts.

“He has been the driving force behind the organisation for 20 years, and his energy and enthusiasm are infectious.”