STAR of Scottish TV drama Alex Norton is in the line-up for what promises to be another memorable Boswell Book Festival.

He will talk about his amazing career which has taken him from Glasgow’s Gorbals to Hollywood during the event which takes place in and around Dumfries House next month.

Joining the TV detective, who more recently featured in the comedy Three Doors Down, will be fellow actor of stage and screen, Nigel Havers.

Other highlights of the seventh Boswell Book Festival include Alexandra Shulman, Vogue magazine’s longest serving editor, in conversation with Kirsty Wark.

Best-selling author, Simon Sebag Montefiore, will discuss the history of the Romanovs who ruled Russia from 1613 until the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in 1917.

Another renowned editor, Richard Ingrams of Private Eye and The Oldie, will speak in glowing terms about his hero, Ludovic Kennedy.

Ex-cabinet minister and award winning author, Alan Johnson will also look back at his journey from a London slum to the Palace of Westminster — and much more.

Young talent, as always, will be recognised with 20-year-old Flora Shedden, runner up of 2016 Great British Bake Off, talking about her first cookbook.

Event director, Caroline Knox, said: “You don’t have to just love books to love this festival. The range of life stories that populate the programme is incredible from actors, bakers, plant hunters, lovers and adventurers, to war heroes, judges, poets, painters, financiers and Tsars.

“And that’s not to mention our children’s festival, which has a thrilling programme of interactive events and appearances by leading children’s writers and illustrators.

“Thanks to our main sponsor, Creative Scotland, this is our biggest ever festival spread over six venues at beautiful Dumfries House including a newly added marquee and the Great Stewart’s Dining Room.

“The rich choice on offer reflects our pride at being the world’s only festival of biography and memoir inspired by the father of modern biography and proud Ayrshireman, James Boswell.”

The festival was inspired by Boswell, father of modern biography with his ground breaking Life of Dr Johnson, which has never been out of print since its publication in 1791.

It takes place at Dumfries House on the outskirts of Cumnock, where the festival-goer can meet leading authors, gossip with new friends, ignite their skills with The Royal Drawing School and enjoy tours of the iconic estate.