The curtain-raiser for this year’s Festival will be David Greig of the Lyceum Theatre. Columba’s Bones is “rooted in the…history of Iona…a witty meditation on philosophy…transcendence and reality”.

More philosophy comes in the Moira Monologues, but these meditations are more violent than transcendent. Alan Bissett drags Moira’s dirty mouth back for her views on lockdown.

Strong Scottish women also appear in Kate Foster’s The Maiden, based on the real-life murder of the local laird. Kate is the winner of Bloody Scotland’s Pitch Perfect award and Crime Debut of the Year.

A kenspeckle chiel o lockdown is Billy Kay, from the Pentlands Book Festival in 2020 (online). Now back in person to talk about being Born in Kyle and his linguistic and cultural roots.

Linda Cracknell wins awards for her environmental writing. “Getting mud on her boots or being slapped by salt water can all be part of her process”. Don’t test this in her talk!

Nicholas Kinloch’s grandfather walked from the gulags to Iraq, then to Great Britain. Joining the Polish Parachute Brigade, he dropped at Arnhem to find himself behind enemy lines.

Another hardened walker, Graeme Johncock, will tell us Scotland’s Stories, “unlocking legends and seeing incredible places in a new light”.

If you like music when walking, come and listen to Derek Forbes, Simple Minds bassist, discussing A Very Simple Mind: On Tour.

However if you prefer a quieter, more mellifluous and learned stroll, join Liz Beevers on a historical walk.

Now for the gore. Lin Anderson will not disappoint: creator of the forensic scientist Rhona Macleod novels, and co-founder of Bloody Scotland.

More evidence that Shetland is dangerous, Marsali Taylor will discuss her Shetland Sailing Mysteries, and maybe also about the women’s suffrage movement there.

Someone who worked in many dangerous places is Allan Little, ex-BBC correspondent, who is now chair of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Inspired to write? Talk to David Ford about his creative writing course. This day will also feature local authors Maria Chamberlain, Neil Price, and Lewine Mair.

If you’re feeling unwell why not join us at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh to check their archives for treatments.

This is just a taster as we develop the full programme.