Imagine a literary event so pivotal that a renowned crime author likens it to the very backbone of her career. That’s how Denise Mina describes Glasgow’s Aye Write book festival, a celebration that nearly vanished last year due to funding struggles. But here’s where it gets inspiring: after teetering on the edge of cancellation, the festival is now roaring back to life, marking its 20th anniversary—albeit six months later than usual. This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, featuring 130 events and 180 authors, a full-scale revival after two years of scaled-back programming.
Denise Mina, a powerhouse in the Tartan Noir genre, has been a fixture at Aye Write since its inception in 2005, missing only three events in two decades. 'It’s felt like the spine of my career,' she reflects, emphasizing how the festival transformed her sense of isolation as a writer into a vibrant community. Mina, whose Garnethill trilogy catapulted her to fame in 1998, now stands alongside giants like Ian Rankin and Val McDermid. Yet, she credits Aye Write for fostering the camaraderie she once lacked, especially during her early years as a mother juggling writing and family life.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Mina adores the festival’s energy and its seamless integration into Glasgow’s cultural fabric, she admits that the city’s bold, unreserved spirit isn’t for everyone. 'I think we are quite heavy going,' she quips. 'If you get it, you get it. And if you like it, you like it.' This unapologetic authenticity is precisely what makes Glasgow—and Aye Write—so magnetic.
This year’s revival owes much to Creative Scotland’s £262,500 grant, ensuring the festival’s survival for the next three years. For emerging writers like Aimée MacDonald, whose debut novel The Last Witch on the Knock explores a girl’s escape into Scotland’s witch-haunted past, Aye Write is a dream come true. 'It’s quite surreal,' she admits, reflecting on her panel appearance at Waterstones, a place she once studied with friends. 'To imagine my book in there is incredible.'
Award-winning author Callum McSorley, who promoted his debut Squeaky Clean at Aye Write 2023, calls the festival’s return 'brilliant.' He views book festivals as a lifeline for writers, breaking the solitude of their craft and introducing readers to books they might never have discovered otherwise. 'It’s mad to think Glasgow could go without its literary festival,' he says, highlighting the city’s rich literary heritage.
Programmer Bob McDevitt is equally thrilled, emphasizing the festival’s roots in Glasgow’s community. 'Aye Write is for the people of Glasgow,' he declares, ensuring Scottish authors remain at the heart of the lineup. With venues ranging from the historic Mitchell Library to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and guests like Irvine Welsh, Jeanette Winterson, and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, this year’s festival promises something for everyone.
And this is the part most people miss: Aye Write isn’t just a festival—it’s a reflection of Glasgow’s soul. As Mina puts it, 'It doesn’t feel like a festival superimposed on the city. It feels like very much part of Glasgow.' But here’s the question: Can a festival truly embody the spirit of its host city, or is it always an outsider’s spectacle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this literary celebration!
