Braemar Literary Festival

2026 Programme
2026 Speakers
Gala Dinner
Visitor Information
Previous Years

Braemar Literary Festival 2026

25th – 27th SEPTEMBER 2026

The Braemar Literary Festival returned for its fifth year in 2026 and featured an inspiring programme of talks by leading authors, thinkers, storytellers, and cultural voices, presented in partnership with The Queen’s Reading Room and The Glenrothes. Drawing inspiration from the works of Aberdeenshire modernist writer and poet, Nan Shepherd, the festival is proud to celebrate women’s writing and next-generation literary talent across the spheres of nature, art, food, and fiction.

A smiling man beside a colourful cookbook cover

Three men stood in a rowing boat beside a book cover with a boat at sea

A woman with short back hair beside a woman with red hair

A portrait of a woman with straight grey hair beside a colourful book cover

A portrait of a woman with short dark hair beside a yellow book cover

Three portraits of women displayed side by side.

A smiling seated woman beside a green book cover

A man seated with his hands clasped beside a blue cover of a book

Two seated women beside a purple book cover

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2026 Braemar Literary Festival Programme

In this, the National Year of Reading, we drew inspiration from the many authors, artists and adventurers whose imagination was sparked by the beauty and majesty of the area, whilst also celebrating the power of writing and the next generation of literary talent.

This year’s line-up included Jojo Moyes, Hugh Bonneville, Bonnie Garmus, Val McDermid and Jo Sharp, Louise Welsh and many more. We were also proud to present an exclusive preview of A Cookbook for Iwan featuring a live Q&A between Tom Parker Bowles and Iwan and Manuela Wirth.

View the 2026 Programme

People on stage talking with Braemar Literary Festival banner in the background

Anthony Horowitz giving a talk at the Braemar Literary Festival

Dame Judi Dench on stage at the Braemar Literary Festival

Tom Parker Bowles wearing a red tshirt talking

Man with beard in orange shirt smiling during a presentation

woman talking on stage at the Braemar Literary Festival

Lady with brown hair on stage sitting on yellow armchair

Fife Arms hotel exterior taken through green trees

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About the Literary Festival

Established in 2022 in collaboration with The Queen’s Reading Room, Braemar Literary Festival honours the literary heritage of Scotland, the legacy of Aberdeenshire writer and poet Nan Shepherd, and the Cairngorms National Park as the inspiration for generations of writers, poets and creative voices.

The festival comprises two days of contributions from internationally renowned authors, poets, critics, and spoken word performers, as well as guest writers from the Queen’s Reading Room and the Women’s Prize Trust.

Previous speakers have included Dame Judi Dench, David Nicholls, Giles Coren, and Ken Follett.

The exterior of the Fife Arms hotel in autumn

Round dining table set with plated dishes, red and white wine, and place settings in the elegant Clunie Dining Room.

Tea being poured at a table set with a three‑tier stand of sandwiches and pastries in the elegant Clunie Dining Room.

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Stay for the Literary Festival

Sign up to our waitlist and secure your front row seat at the Braemar Literary Festival with an unforgettable stay at the Fife Arms hotel in 2027.

This exclusive getaway includes a two-night stay with reserved priority seats at all talks and performances, as well as a welcome cocktail reception and gala dinner. With rooms and suites inspired by writers from Nan Shepherd to Sir Walter Scott and Lord Byron, the Fife Arms is the perfect place for a literary escape.

Waitlist

An evening gala dinner with people gathered at banquet tables

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Gala Dinner

Guests enjoyed an evening of exceptional food inspired by A Cookbook for Iwan, a unique collection of recipes, stories and artworks curated by Manuela Wirth bringing together dishes shared by artists, friends and family.

The dinner took place on Friday 25th September in the magnificent Clunie Dining Room at the Fife Arms, beginning with champagne and canapés, followed by a bespoke three-course menu featuring recipes from the book, prepared by Artfarm’s Culinary Director Ben Orpwood and the Fife Arms.

Visitor Information

Information on travel and venues at Braemar Literary Festival.

Braemar Literary Festival Venues

ST MARGARET’S
Glenshee Rd, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YQ

THE FIFE ARMS
Mar Rd, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YN

BRAEMAR VILLAGE HALL
Braemar Village Hall, 33 Mar Road, Braemar, AB35 5YX

BRAEMAR HIGHLAND GAMES CENTRE
The Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion, Broombank Terrace, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YX

BRAEMAR KIRK
Cluniebank Road, Braemar, AB35 5YY

Getting to the Literary Festival

From Aberdeen – 1hr 25mins approx
A93 via Banchory

From Perth – 1hr 10mins approx
A93 via Glenshee

From Dundee – 1hr 25mins approx
A923 to Coupar Angus, A93 via Glenshee

Inverness – 2hr approx
A9 to Cartridge, A938 to Dulnain Bridge, A95 to Old Spey Bridge, A939 to Gairnshiel Lodge, B976 to Crathie, A93 to Braemar

From Edinburgh – 2hr 10mins approx
M90 to Perth, A93 via Glenshee

From Glasgow – 2hr 10mins approx
M80 to Stirling, A9 to Perth, A93 via Glenshee

Please check the route and the weather before departure. Braemar is remote and the weather can change rapidly.

Consult your preferred weather app or BBC Weather before making the journey.

Please also check local council websites or social channels for updates on road closures and seek alternative routes. Again, due to the remote location of Braemar diversions can add on significant time to journeys.
Parking is limited in Braemar. Leave yourself enough time to arrive and find a space before the start time of your chosen event.

Parking can be found:
– Behind the Mews shops and square
– Outside the Mews Bar
– The Braemar Highland Games Centre
– Balnellan Road Car Park
– Near the Invercauld Arms

As well as on street parking around the village.

We kindly ask that you park respectfully, mindful of private driveways and hidden openings.
Nearest Airports:
– Aberdeen 1hr 30 mins approx
– Edinburgh 2 hours approx
There are no public links between the airports and Braemar, however car hire services are available are both.

Nearest Train Staiton:
– Aberdeen Central

Bus:
Union Square, Aberdeen to Braemar Stagecoach
Via Banchory and Ballater

Timetable
There are a number of wonderful places to stay nearby ideal solo travellers, family groups or couples across a range of budgets and tastes.

Braemarscotland.com has a detailed list of places to stay in and around Braemar – from B&Bs to exclusive use cottages, hotels to campsites.

Braemar and Royal Deeside is a very popular tourist destination. We would recommend booking as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.