Irvine’s annual literary festival will back this month.

Tidelines will take place in Irvine’s Harbourside from 26-29 September with patron and award-winning Ayrshire author Andrew O’Hagan, calling it “A feast for the heart and mind.”

The fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, added: “It makes me proud to see the area I grew up in celebrate writing in such style.”

Opening with a night of foot-stomping heart-swelling music from Scots Trad instrumentalist of the year Gary Innes and featuring Ewen Henderson, lead singer with Scottish super-group Manran the festival brings 17 author events over three days.

North Ayrshire’s only independent book festival is run entirely by volunteers and with children’s storytelling, murder mysteries, historical fiction and gin tasting, there is something for everyone.

Now in its seventh year, the festival attracts authors from across Scotland and this year features an “Icelandic Noir” event with two prize-winning Icelandic crime writers, as well as a book launch, a nature walk, an art exhibition and bookbinding demonstrations.

For the full programme of events and authors, find brochures in your local library, or visit www.tidelinesbookfest.com