Welcome Return of Festival Programmer Lee Randall
Lee is a well-known figure in Scottish literature and media
Wigtown Festival Company is welcoming the return of Lee Randall, as Programmer for the much-loved annual book festival.
Lee, who lives in Edinburgh and was Guest Programmer for the 25th Wigtown Book Festival in 2023 and Programmer in 2024, has been closely associated with Scotland's National Book Town for almost two decades.
Her role will involve curating the 2026 Wigtown Book Festival programme which includes everything from talks by a wide variety of authors to annual lectures, performing and visual arts and much more.
Journalism, publishing and cultural events
With over 40 years' experience in journalism, publishing and producing cultural events, Lee's history with Wigtown Book Festival began with a request to chair an event. Lee has been heavily involved in the festival ever since, returning each year as a chair as well as hosting online events and writing website content during the pandemic.
Her previous projects include producing Borderlines Carlisle, mentoring through Creative Scotland and programming the Granite Noir Crime Fiction Festival. Lee has also been a judge for the McIlvanney Prize and the Saltire Fiction Prize.
She has also worked in publishing and spent 13 years writing, editing and commissioning features and arts content for The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday.
Makes my heart beat that little bit faster!
Lee said, “My love affair with Wigtown—the place, the people, the festival—is approaching its 20th anniversary, and still makes my heart beat that little bit faster! Stepping back into the programmer’s post is especially exciting at a time of organisational change; I’m keen to embrace the challenges and opportunities that brings, and relish the task of assembling a roster of fresh and also familiar faces in our annual celebration of the human need to share stories. Hope to see you in Wigtown next autumn!”
Next year's festival is 25 September - 4 October 2026.