A Highland book event is giving local talent the chance to be on the same stage as their literary heroes.
The Ness Book Festival, which runs until Sunday, will give local and emerging artists the opportunity to present their material alongside several well-known authors including crime writer Stuart MacBride and critically-acclaimed Ali Smith who has twice been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Kirsteen Bell from Lochaber, a UHI literature student, has been chosen as this year’s key reader during the sold-out event for Ali Smith.
After submitting a mixture of poetry and prose, volunteers were impressed by her work, giving her what they will hope will be a stepping stone towards a successful future.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Miss Bell said: “Being chosen to read my own work at Ali Smith’s event feels like a massive endorsement; I’m very grateful for the opportunity and the vote of confidence.”
The event will feature in a number of locations across the city until Sunday, including Central Library, Town Hall, local schools, and in Waterstones in Inverness. More than 30 events will be showcased during the event offering something for adults, families and schools.
Chair Alicia Socas said: “NessBookFest volunteers were impressed by the volume and quality of the response. Kirsteen’s work stood out from the start. She submitted a mixture of poetry and prose, pared back and stark in its beauty. We expect to hear a lot more about Kirsteen in the future. There is real talent here. Wouldn’t it be lovely to think that it all began here at NessBookFest 2018?”