Coming of age: Wigtown celebrates its 21st Book Festival

Events are underway at Wigtowns 21st Book Festival- an event that, over the years, has grown and transformed the town a into a 'book lovers haven'.

The original festival in 1999 showcased a total of 30 events, 20 years later and the number of events on offer is close to 300. These will include debates, music, film, visual arts, theatre, food and of course- literature, reading and writing.

The festival has also grown in length, originally spanning 3 days, now lasting for 10.

Wigtown was made Scotlands 'official book town' in 1998 and since then their annual festival has matured into a not-to-be-missed event.

Last year's event brought in around 29,000 visitors to the town, as well as over £3million to the local economy.

And it's not only important for the town, the festival is also a significant fixture on Scotlands cultural calendar.

Special guests will include Kirsty Wark, Melanie Reid, Geoffrey Robertson QC, Doddie Weir and Matthew Parris.

This year the festival will work around a farming theme, celebrating the region that is famous for its agriculture and rural setting.