Former Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, is set to release her memoir, Frankly, at this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival. The memoir will be launched on August 14, 2025, during the festival’s expanded series, The Front List, which will take place from August 12 to August 24 at McEwan Hall, located near the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
The festival has revealed a star-studded line-up, including acclaimed authors Maggie O’Farrell, Ian McEwan, and Ruth Jones, co-creator of Gavin and Stacey, who will discuss her debut novel, By Your Side. Other notable writers such as RF Kuang, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Asako Yuzuki—winner of the 2024 Waterstones Book of the Year—will also feature. Sports figures like Ally McCoist will join the event to talk about Dear Scotland: On The Road With The Tartan Army.
In addition to these literary voices, political figures will offer their insights, including Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, who will discuss her husband’s work and legacy. Other political commentators such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, Anne Applebaum, and Edward Wong, diplomatic correspondent at The New York Times, will provide critical analysis of current global affairs.
The full schedule of over 600 events, featuring participants from across the globe—including the United States, Japan, Russia, Nigeria, and the UK—will be announced on June 10.
A spokesperson for the festival said, “We are delighted to be launching Frankly, the memoir of Scotland’s first female and longest-serving First Minister. Nicola Sturgeon’s journey from a shy, working-class child to one of the country’s most significant political leaders is one that will resonate with many.”
The spokesperson also highlighted the festival’s diverse range of speakers, including Maggie O’Farrell, who will celebrate 25 years since the release of her debut book, and Ian McEwan, who will reflect on his impressive literary career.
In terms of political discourse, the spokesperson added, “With the ongoing political shifts caused by the Trump administration, we are proud to feature Anne Applebaum and Edward Wong as they explore the challenges democracy faces in today’s world.”
Jenny Niven, the Book Festival’s Director and Chief Executive, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “We’re thrilled to be back at the beautiful McEwan Hall and expanding our partnership with Underbelly to bring The Front List to life in 2025. At this pivotal moment in history, the festival will offer not only sharp political insights but also an escape through the works of the world’s foremost fiction writers, entertainers, and sports figures.”
A full programme of events will be announced soon, but the The Front List series promises a glimpse into the wide array of perspectives and voices that will shape this year’s Book Festival.
