Neil Forsyth is a powerhouse of creativity whose work is read and watched by umpteen millions across the globe
BAFTA winner, novelist and creator of Dundonian comedy gem Bob Servant
Ahead of his Wigtown appearance we asked him a little about his life and career.
At school in Dundee what did you expect the future to bring - BAFTAs, books and TV shows like Legends?
No, I wouldn't have dreamt about where my writing would eventually take me. I always wanted to be writer, but it took a long time to gain the confidence to really commit to it. Not until my first book came out in my late 20s really, which is when I finally quite my job working in a pub in Edinburgh. I feel very grateful for where I am now, but it's taken a lot of work and sacrifice to get here.
Social media often brings out the worst in people, yet Bob Servant made it joyful - are there any of his interactions you were especially fond of?
I always enjoyed his interactions with Tayside Police, and an amazing conversation with The Bangles Susanna Hoffs.
What can people expect from your event at Wigtown?
I'm looking forward to talking about my career and trying to make some sort of sense of the journey from Bob Servant to what I'm writing now. But I'm really excited to be coming to Wigtown. My Dad is from Dumfries and all his family live in the area. Hopefully I'll have a few relatives there on the night.
Your work is praised for its plot weaving, is that what you focus on most in your writing?
Yes, the more experienced I get the more I invest in structure, which means week after week of moving Post It notes around a whiteboard. But it all pays off when you finally start writing the script, and know that you can relax and enjoy the dialogue because you have a structure that works. Story is king, and that's an approach I take across the whole process of making a television show.
Who is the storyteller you find most compelling?
I honestly think some of the best storytelling on television just now is in documentary. That's largely what I watch, along with sports, because I don't find watching drama particularly relaxing. It feels like work. Growing up, watching Cracker had a big effect on me. Jimmy McGovern managed to tell very dark stories, but with humour naturally woven through them.
Best read of 2026 so far?
In books, I greatly enjoyed Patrick Radden Keefe's London Falling. It was nice to see The Gold book I co-wrote with Thomas Turner reference in there, and Patrick and I have since swapped emails about some of the characters that pop up in both of our stories.
You can purchase tickets for Neil Forsyth's event - and 17 other early bird events - until 31st May with 10% off the ticket price. The full programme of 2026 events will be released to the public on 24th July.