The world’s only literary festival dedicated to biography and memoir is due to kick off in East Ayrshire this week.

The Boswell Book Festival, named after Ayrshire writer and ‘the father of modern biography’ James Boswell of Auchinleck, who wrote the famous biography of Samuel Johnson in 1791.

The festival runs from this Friday (May 13) until Sunday (May 15) and events will be held at Dumfries House over the weekend.

It’s a return to in-person events this year, but following the success of last year’s online festival, many of this year’s events will also be live streamed.

The festival will feature the likes of Scottish football personality Pat Nevin, the ex-Chelsea, Everton, and Kilmarnock man, who will kick off proceedings on Friday, May 13.

Following him on the Friday will be the Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen and then Scottish superstar singer-actress Barbara Dickson.

On Sunday 15, Frank Skinner and Denise Mina will discuss their adventures in the footsteps of Boswell and Johnson. Skinner will also be talking about his renowned poetry book and podcast along with his Comedian’s Prayer Book. Another star appearance will be Graham McTavish of Outlander and The Witcher.

Booking for events closes at 6pm on Friday.