At last the name of the Mystery Guest for the Borders Book Festival is announced. John Prescott, sorry, that’s Lord Prescott, will be coming to Melrose to talk about life, books, his book and politics. An immense personality, someone who has stood at the heart of British and world political history for more than a decade, he has been a witness and a participant in great events. His story is fascinating, a journey from a humble background to Deputy Prime Minister, and one which is both inspirational and idiosyncratic. This promises to be one of the most absorbing and entertaining sessions of the 2010 festival.

Worth £25,000 to the winner, the Walter Scott Prize is open to historical novels first published in the United Kingdom in 2009. It will be awarded at the 2010 Borders Book Festival between 17th and 20th June.