LOCAL youngsters savoured a literary treat during the Boswell Book Festival at Dumfries House.

They were invited to the iconic event named in honour of renowned 18th-Century writer James Boswell from Auchinleck, to participate in a series of workshops.

Hundreds of pupils from local schools participated in literary activities and were treated to a tour of Dumfries House.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Pupils met Boswell himself in the guise of an actor, who relayed tales of the ninth Laird of Auchinleck’s friendship with legendary literary figure Dr Samuel Johnson to inspire pupils to write about their own friendships.

Caroline Knox, director of the Boswell Book Festival said: “After months of planning, the weekend of the Boswell Book Festival is always exhilarating.

“The sun shone, the crowds poured in and with so many events sold out, our authors all had a great time at Dumfries House.

Cumnock Chronicle:

“Who knew that Alfie Boe was such a talented drummer, or that genteel Jane Austen out negotiated her publisher John Murray ? We are already thinking about next year which marks the 10th anniversary of our unique festival.”