Welcome to the 5th Borders Book Festival

The 5th! It seems no more than a moment since the 1st. And yet over that short time a dazzling cast of writers has come to Melrose to be greeted and applauded by a burgeoning audience.

Last year more than 5,000 people came to Harmony Gardens in only four evenings and three days. This year, for the first time, almost all of our events will be held in the gardens, in two marquees. And amongst the blossoming trees and fragrant flowers there will also be a new cafe, a festival bookshop and a wine bar.

The 2008 programme is unequivocally the strongest, most varied and intriguing yet. It ranges from high politics, low humour and espionage to great fiction writing and how it works. We are delighted and honoured to host the Sundial Scottish Arts Council Book Awards and look forward to the announcement of the winner, the Scottish Book of the Year 2008, on the evening of Friday 20th June. More drama, insight, gossip and laughter will roll on through the weekend and the closing concert from the excellent Scocha will come around all too soon.