Gothic fiction and landscape mysteries celebrated alongside Book Week Scotland with a series of events and workshops.

Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries today announced that this November will see a celebration of Folk Horror alongside the annual Book Week Scotland events.  Beginning 15 November 2025, this celebration of stories will spotlight folk horror, gothic fiction, and landscape mysteries.

Folk Horror at the Library, will explore Perthshire, combining eerie gothic fiction with traditional landscapes and cultural beliefs, highlighting and inspiring attendees of its unique and sometimes peculiar elements, along with discussions on how to preserve the landscape.

Geoff Holder, author of The Guide to Mysterious Perthshire, will delve into landscape mysteries, old stones, and local legends, explaining why the Perthshire area is so well-suited to gothic fiction. A panel discussion, chaired by Barry McCann (host of the Ingrid Pitt – Queen of Horror Festival), will bring together authors Andrew M. Hurley (Starve Acre and The Loney) and David Sodergren (The Haar and Maggie’s Grave), as they discuss gothic fiction and the role landscape plays in their work, connecting folk horror with the destruction of natural spaces and the current biodiversity crisis.

There will also be the chance to attend two workshops; a gothic fiction creative writing workshop with Fiona Barnett, author of The Dark Between the Trees, and a pinhole photography workshop that takes place in Greyfriars’s Graveyard. The AK Bell Library will also be hosting a temporary display where visitors can browse the local history collection, exploring strange occurrences, landscape mysteries, local legends, and old maps.

David Sodergren said “I’m thrilled to be part of this panel. There’s a lot more to folk-horror than wicker men and witchfinders, and I’m very much looking forward to discussing the intricacies of this frequently misunderstood genre!” 

Andrew M. Hurley added, “It’s such a pleasure and a privilege to be invited to Perth and Kinross to talk about my work. I’m looking forward to some fascinating conversations about the relationship between nature writing and folk horror.”

Tickets are now on sale for Book Week Scotland, now in its fourteenth year, with events taking place throughout Perthshire. Featured talks will come from acclaimed author Denise Mina, who will be discussing her new book, The Good Liar at Auchterarder Library, bestselling author Alex Gray will be at Birnam Arts chatting about their latest work Acts of Malice and Marion Todd, who’s first novel was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year Award, will appear at Alyth Town Hall.

There is also the chance to join author Mark Bridgeman at the Royal Hotel in Comrie for an interactive Trial by Jury session where you get to decide the outcome, Natalie Jayne Clark will appear at Scone Library talking about her debut work, The Malt Whisky Murders.

Natalie Jayne Clark said, ‘As a debut writer, the support from my local library has been absolutely wonderful, and I am delighted to be working with Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries for my first Book Week Scotland as a published author.’

Helen Smout, Chief Executive at Culture Perth and Kinross added “As the nights grow longer and the weather colder, we invite book lovers from far and wide to warm up at their local library with our fantastic selection of author events this November. Whether you’re looking for the best of horror fiction, feel-good stories, or inspiration for your next adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at your local Culture Perth and Kinross library this autumn.”

Book Week Scotland events take place in Alyth, Comrie, Scone, Birnam and Auchterarder and tickets cost £5. Folk Horror at the Library events take place in Perth with tickets starting at £4; a special ticket bundle can be purchased allowing attendees to go to all talks and workshops for a reduced price.

Tickets are available now via Perthshire Box Office. Book Week Scotland is supported by Creative Scotland and The Scottish Libraries and Information Council (SLIC).