CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Top authors will inspire Renfrewshire schoolchildren as part of Paisley Book Festival

Hundreds of schoolchildren across Renfrewshire will delve into the world of writing as part of this year's Paisley Book Festival.

Top authors will inspire Renfrewshire schoolchildren as part of Paisley Book Festival

Article Source: Paisley Book Festival
Last Updated: 26 March 2025 10:30

Award-winning authors and poets are taking part in an extensive schools programme which will encourage and inspire young people to love reading, writing and books.

Sessions involve children aged from P1 through to S3, and include events at Paisley Town Hall as well as in 14 school and public libraries.

They will take youngsters on a literary journey through history, sport, adventure and Scotland’s amazing landscape.

The Paisley Book Festival Schools Programme will run from April 23 to 25, with the main festival taking place from April 25 to 27.

Building on the success of previous years, the schools initiative will reflect the festival’s The Lives We Live theme, considering concepts such as home and identity, travel, love and work, drawing inspiration from Paisley’s rich, creative history - celebrating the distinct personal experiences which shape superb Scottish writing and storytelling.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of festival organisers OneRen, said: “There’s something special about seeing young people realise the magic of the written word. That’s what makes the schools programme one of the most uplifting parts of Paisley Book Festival.

“We have a fantastic line-up of writers taking part, all of whom are fantastic at sharing their own love of writing in a fun and engaging way which inspires the next generation.”


The writers taking part this year are:

● Tom Palmer, a children’s historical and sports fiction author with 54 books to his name.

● Lindsay Littleson, a former primary school teacher and children’s author from Uplawmoor, near Glasgow. Her latest novel Ice Cream Boy has been shortlisted for Peters Children’s Book of the Year.

● Barbara Henderson (pictured), the award-winning Inverness-based author of 12 children’s books, including her latest eco adventure, I Don’t Do Mountains.

● David Macphail, the Perthshire writer who has written more than 30 fiction and non-fiction books, often inspired by travel adventures which saw him work as a pool waiter, a chicken farmer and ghost tour guide.

● Brian Conaghan, whose new novel, Stealing Happy, is to be released this month (March) and whose last release, Treacle Town, was named the Honour Book for Fiction at the 2024 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Award. It has also been shortlisted for the 2025 Carnegie Medal.

● Joseph Coelho, the former Waterstones Children’s Laureate who is an award-winning poet, playwright and children’s author. He aims to inspire young people through stories and characters they can recognise, exploring themes including fear, courage, diversity, gratitude, empathy and loss.

Organised by OneRen, Paisley Book Festival 2025 is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

Full details about the Paisley Book Festival line-up - including booking information for the main festival events - are available at www.paisleybookfestival.com

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
RSPB
One Ren
WSS Media Scotland

Latest Renfrewshire News

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

READ MORE
Could you steal the show at the Paisley Comedy Festival Open Mic Night

Could you steal the show at the Paisley Comedy Festival Open Mic Night

Think yer funny, aye? Then now's your chance to show it... an Open Mic Night takes place on Friday 4th April as part of the first Paisley Comedy Festival.

READ MORE
Council funding helping to fill empty town centre premises in Renfrewshire

Council funding helping to fill empty town centre premises in Renfrewshire

Local businesses are being supported to grow and expand into empty ground floor town centre premises thanks to grant funding provided by Renfrewshire Council.

READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.

READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!

READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

READ MORE
Top authors will inspire Renfrewshire schoolchildren as part of Paisley Book Festival

Top authors will inspire Renfrewshire schoolchildren as part of Paisley Book Festival

Hundreds of schoolchildren across Renfrewshire will delve into the world of writing as part of this year's Paisley Book Festival.

READ MORE
Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

READ MORE
Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

READ MORE
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

READ MORE
Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

READ MORE
Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up

Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up

With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!

READ MORE
Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break

Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break

From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.

READ MORE
Exciting new play venue for kids set to open in Renfrew

Exciting new play venue for kids set to open in Renfrew

Families in Renfrew and the wider Glasgow area can now look forward to hours of fun and adventure as a brand-new instagrammable role play village has teased its opening for April.

READ MORE
Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back

Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back

Loch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!

READ MORE
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind

To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.

READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!

Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.

READ MORE
Young people get creative kickstart to careers through cultural programme

Young people get creative kickstart to careers through cultural programme

Over 200 of Renfrewshire secondary school pupils have been given a unique insight into creative and cultural careers through a bespoke programme.

READ MORE
Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events

Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events

Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!

READ MORE
First Nomination concept store in Scotland to open at Braehead Shopping Centre

First Nomination concept store in Scotland to open at Braehead Shopping Centre

Jewellery lovers, get ready! Braehead Shopping Centre is bringing something truly special to Scotland this month.

READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!

Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!

Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!

READ MORE
Cineworld brings back IMAX Film Fest

Cineworld brings back IMAX Film Fest

Cineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!

READ MORE
Discover the best of Belfast on a day trip from Scotland

Discover the best of Belfast on a day trip from Scotland

A beautiful city with a rich history, high street favourites, independent boutiques and a giant adventure to explore around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had!

READ MORE
Dobbies welcomes applications for community gardens initiative

Dobbies welcomes applications for community gardens initiative

Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.

READ MORE
Six by Nico unveils brand new six course tasting menu, The Italian

Six by Nico unveils brand new six course tasting menu, The Italian

Six by Nico's Road Trip, inspired by Chef Nico Simeone's Italian heritage and travels, will take you on a culinary journey through Italy!

READ MORE
Action Classics Hit Vue Venues in Scotland this March

Action Classics Hit Vue Venues in Scotland this March

An array of action films is screening at Vue venues in Scotland throughout the month of March, kicking off with the king of the genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

READ MORE
FROM GLASTO TO GLASGOW: Artists performing at TRNSMT 2025 and Glastonbury

FROM GLASTO TO GLASGOW: Artists performing at TRNSMT 2025 and Glastonbury

Check out the Glastonbury artists that music fans can catch in Glasgow, straight off the heels of their Worthy Farm performance at TRNSMT Festival!

READ MORE
Full Casting Announced for Restless Natives: The Musical

Full Casting Announced for Restless Natives: The Musical

Kirsty MacLaren, Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop lead a multi-talented ensemble as the Clown and the Wolfman take to the road once again!

READ MORE
Dobbies launches spring with special shopping weekend

Dobbies launches spring with special shopping weekend

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting the nation to get excited for the busiest season in the gardener's calendar with its Spring Launch Weekend, taking place 6-10 March!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Helensburgh HEART
One Ren
Hostelworld
ATG
Go Radio

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
RSPB
One Ren
WSS Media Scotland
Helensburgh HEART
One Ren
Hostelworld
ATG
Go Radio

Popular Events

Whitehaugh Barracks Ghost Hunt
Join Dark Knights Paranomal for a night of ghost hunting in Paisley as they explore Whitehaugh Barracks!
Popscene
Popscene, a high-quality tribute act dedicated to celebrating the iconic music of Blur, will be taking the stage at The Bungalow Paisley on Saturday 23rd August!
Bunny Masks Making at IKEA Glasgow
Hop on over to IKEA Glasgow for a fun-filled craft session and make your very own Bunny Mask!
Twisted! The Musical
Twisted! The Musical is a continuation of the classic tale Oliver Twist - a story about a boy who wanted more! Don't miss it at Paisley Town Hall in August.
Easter Family Fun!
Join Elim Christian Fellowship for some free Easter Fun for all the family as they host an Egg Hunt around Paisley followed by crafts, games and refreshments on Saturday 29th March!

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley