IRVINE-BORN author, screenwriter and former music industry professional John Niven will be coming to Ayrshire next month.

The Irvine man will be in conversation with David F Ross on Thursday, October 5 at Kilmarnock’s Dick Institute as part of the Imprint Book Festival.

After graduating in 1991 with first class honours in English literature from the University of Glasgow, Niven went on to work for a variety of record companies, including London Records and Independiente.

He left the music industry in 2002 to write full time and published his debut novella Music from Big Pink in 2005.

Niven’s breakthrough novel Kill Your Friends is a satire of the music business, based on his career in A&R, during which he passed up the chance to sign Coldplay and Muse.

Niven has since published The Amateurs, The Second Coming, Cold Hands, Straight White Male and No Good Deed.

His book, The Sunshine Cruise Company, is currently being developed as a feature film by the producers of Silver Linings Playbook and Shakespeare in Love.

Imprint Book Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a host of exciting events for book lovers throughout October at The Dick Institute.

In what is set to be another fantastic festival, this year’s top line-up includes Scottish cycling legend, writer and broadcaster Graeme Obree, horror author Graham Masterton and Elly Griffiths.

For a full line-up of events and prices, call the Dick Institute on 01563 554300 or visit eastayrshireleisure.com.

Tickets are also available online or from the Palace Theatre box office on 01563 554900.