THE Borders Book Festival, sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, has announced its programme for June, as part of Homecoming Scotland 2014.

The festival, which runs from June 12 to 15 in Melrose, will feature figures such as Paddy Ashdown, Steve Backshall, Kate Adie, Jennifer Saunders and Lynda La Plante.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown will talk about "his vision of Scottishness, Britishness, and the unique nature of the Union".

On June 13, the winner of the fifth £25,000 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction will be announced and several of the finalists will be invited to attend. Children's writers who will also be present will include Steve Backshall, Simon Mayo, Simon Chapman, Lauren St John, Ross Collins, and Lari Don.