McLellan Book Festival: Ajay Close
Brodick Hall, Isle of Arran, KA27 8DL
Saturday 5th September 2026
Welcome to the McLellan Book Festival 2026 - running alongside the McLellan Arts Festival.
Ajay Close’s debut novel, Official and Doubtful, was longlisted for the Orange Prize. A Petrol Scented Spring, about the suffragettes force-fed in Perth, was longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. Her seventh novel, What Doesn’t Kill Us, based on the Yorkshire Ripper killings and the feminist fightback across the north of England, was named Scottish Fiction Book of the Year. Her first career was in journalism, where she won many awards.
How much has really changed since the sexist 1970s? Join Ajay for an illustrated talk about the real people and events behind this gripping tale of murder, revolutionary feminism, unlikely friendships and divided loyalties.
Also follow us on the McLellan Book Festival facebook page here for regular updates.
Pricing
Admission price is £10 per session but a Festival Ticket is £50. This covers entrance to all Book Festival events from Friday 4th - Sunday 6th September. More info and buy a Festival Ticket here.
Entrance free to under 18s and those in full time education.
More info about the McLellan Arts Festival is available here.
Ajay Close’s debut novel, Official and Doubtful, was longlisted for the Orange Prize. A Petrol Scented Spring, about the suffragettes force-fed in Perth, was longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. Her seventh novel, What Doesn’t Kill Us, based on the Yorkshire Ripper killings and the feminist fightback across the north of England, was named Scottish Fiction Book of the Year. Her first career was in journalism, where she won many awards.
How much has really changed since the sexist 1970s? Join Ajay for an illustrated talk about the real people and events behind this gripping tale of murder, revolutionary feminism, unlikely friendships and divided loyalties.
Also follow us on the McLellan Book Festival facebook page here for regular updates.
Pricing
Admission price is £10 per session but a Festival Ticket is £50. This covers entrance to all Book Festival events from Friday 4th - Sunday 6th September. More info and buy a Festival Ticket here.
Entrance free to under 18s and those in full time education.
More info about the McLellan Arts Festival is available here.
