Founder to Step Down After Two Decades
Alistair Moffat, who founded the Borders Book Festival in southern Scotland over 20 years ago, is set to step down as its director following the upcoming edition in June 2026. Moffat established the festival in 2004 with the vision of bringing together "some of the best and brightest voices" from around the world in the town of Melrose.
Leadership Transition
Paula Ogilvie, who has served as co-director since the early days of the festival, will continue to lead the event with assistance from guest programmers. Moffat expressed confidence in her leadership, emphasizing her deep connection to the festival.
"Paula has been with me throughout the decades, and she knows the Borders Book Festival inside out," said Moffat.
"More than that, it's in her blood, just as it is in mine.
I'm excited to watch from the sidelines as the book festival goes from strength to strength under her guiding hand.
I'm also delighted at the prospect of enjoying a day off on my birthday in June 2027, for the first time in more than 20 years."
Final Festival and Future Plans
Moffat's final event at the Borders Book Festival will feature a conversation with Rory Bremner, reflecting on their 40 years of friendship. Following the 2026 festival, Ogilvie will assume full responsibility for programming and direction.
Ogilvie commented on her new role, highlighting her extensive experience and commitment to the festival's future growth.
"Having been a joint director of Borders Book Festival for so many years, I like to think I know my way around the place - and the role - pretty well," she said.
"We'll all miss Alistair, of course, but I'm delighted to be continuing what we've created, knowing, perhaps more than anybody else, what potential the book festival has to keep growing, evolving, inspiring and entertaining.
Once the 2026 festival is behind us, it'll be all systems go for 2027."
