The Fife Arms has announced the return of the fifth annual Braemar Literary Festival, taking place from 25th to 27th September 2026

The festival will once again bring together an exceptional line-up of internationally acclaimed authors, broadcasters and storytellers in the heart of the Scottish Highlands – including Jojo Moyes, Bonnie Garmus, Hugh Bonneville and Val McDermid.

Established in collaboration with The Queen’s Reading Room – the worldwide literary community founded by Her Majesty Queen Camilla – the Braemar Literary Festival has become one of Scotland’s most anticipated literary events. Celebrating Scotland’s rich literary heritage and taking place during the UK-wide National Year of Reading, the festival continues to champion storytelling in one of the country’s most inspiring landscapes.

This year’s programme welcomes a host of acclaimed names spanning fiction, food, adventure, history and culture.

Artwork at Fife Arms

Highlights include the award-winning romance novelist and number-one New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter, Jojo Moyes, discussing her latest novel, We All Live Here, and its themes of family, love and forgiveness in conversation with Vicki Perrin, CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room.

Global literary phenomenon Bonnie Garmus, whose debut novel Lessons in Chemistry became a worldwide bestseller, spent almost ninety weeks in the Sunday Times Top 10 and was voted one of the New York Times readers’ Top 100 Books of the 21st Century, will also appear in conversation with Perrin. Festival audiences will enjoy a preview of her eagerly anticipated second novel, Peck & Peck, ahead of its October 2026 publication. 

Returning to the festival, food writer, critic and broadcaster Tom Parker Bowles will join Iwan and Manuela Wirth for a conversation celebrating A Cookbook for Iwan. Originally created by Manuela as a gift for her husband, this one-of-a-kind recipe book brings together a remarkable collection of recipes contributed by leading contemporary artists, curators, chefs and collectors from around the world. The discussion will be complemented by an exclusive festival launch dinner at The Fife Arms, where culinary director Ben Orpwood will present a specially curated menu inspired by recipes from the book.

Award-winning Scottish crime writer Louise Welsh will discuss her latest Rilke thriller, The Cut Up, exploring the dark underbelly of contemporary Glasgow, alongside her writing process, literary inspirations and the enduring appeal of Scottish crime fiction.

In conversation with Glasgow based broadcaster Heather Suttie, adventure takes centre stage as brothers Lachlan, Ewan and Jamie Maclean recount their extraordinary unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean. Sharing the remarkable story behind their new book, Three Brothers in a Boat, which will be published on 24th September, just ahead of the festival; as well as the purposed and people that motivated them.  

The Astronomy Room – one of the hotel’s Scottish Culture Rooms

Families can enjoy the much-loved Braemar Beddie Baa, this year hosted by Paddington star and storyteller, Hugh Bonneville for a special reading of his children’s book, Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room. While crime writing enthusiasts can look forward to an engaging conversation between Val McDermid and Professor Jo Sharp, Scotland’s Geographer Royal, as they discuss their latest contribution to the acclaimed Darkland Tales series.

Connecting bibliophiles of all ages through intimate conversations, readings and lively debate, the Braemar Literary Festival has firmly established itself as a highlight of Scotland’s cultural calendar. Local residents, hotel guests and day visitors are invited to come together and celebrate the literary world through a programme of talks and performances hosted across Braemar, including St Margaret’s Church and Braemar Village Hall. Tickets for each session start from £10.

 Guests travelling from further afield can experience the festival from the comfort of The Fife Arms with the exclusive Braemar Literary Festival Package, which includes:

• Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at The Fife Arms
• Welcome cocktail reception
• Festival launch dinner in The Clunie Dining Room, with a bespoke menu.
• Complimentary access to all festival talks and performances with reserved priority seating
• Festival welcome gift on arrival

Talk tickets are priced at £10. Stays during the Braemar Literary Festival are available from £8,000 for a two-night stay based on two guests sharing a Royal Suite.

To find out more and secure tickets, visit www.braemarliteraryfestival.co.uk or email reservations@thefifearms.com