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Sir Michael Palin helps kick off Borders Book Festival

Getty Images Michael Palin in a black suit with a bow tie against a blurred backgroundGetty Images
Michael Palin is one of the highlights of day one of the Borders Book Festival

A four-day celebration of literature is kicking off in the Borders with a busy programme of events.

Among the speakers on the opening day of the Borders Book Festival in Melrose is the actor, writer and presenter Sir Michael Palin.

The festival will also see the announcement of the winner of the prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.

The latest edition - at its traditional Harmony Garden location - runs until Sunday.

Festival director, Alistair Moffat, said: "We have packed the marquees with unmissable events that will keep audiences talking and thinking long after they head home."

He said they hoped to offer "something for everyone" throughout its four days.

"The sun will shine brightly and constantly - but we do have our brand new transparent canopy for The Orchard - our tented food village - just in case," he added.

"The Borders Book Festival on a long, sunny June day is just magical - our own slice of heaven for the whole family to enjoy."

Jim Barton A busy book festival in Melrose with marquees and lots of people in the foreground and the town's abbey in the backgroundJim Barton
The book festival takes place in Melrose over four days

Alan Bett, head of literature and publishing at Creative Scotland, said the festival promised a "stellar line-up".

"Whether you're eager to meet your literary heroes or discover fresh voices to add to your reading list, this is the perfect chance for book enthusiasts across the Scottish Borders to immerse themselves in storytelling at its finest," he added.