WRITER JK Rowling is to make a rare public appearance later this year at one of the smallest book festivals in Scotland.
The Harry Potter author will headline the Lennoxlove Book Festival in Haddington, East Lothian, in November to promote her first book for adults, The Casual Vacancy.
It is the only public event she will be doing in Scotland for the novel, which she will read from and discuss on the opening night of the festival on November 2.
Alistair Moffat, co-director of the festival, which is only in its fourth year and attracts fewer than 5000 visitors, said he was delighted the best-selling author has agreed to take part.
Mr Moffat said: "Having one of the best-known writers in the world at Lennoxlove Book Festival is a great coup for us and for East Lothian. We are delighted to have secured her and to be able to offer the Friends of the festival, who have supported it so loyally.
"The phrase 'best yet' is very dangerous, but I am confident in proclaiming this year's festival programme is undoubtedly the best yet."
A spokeswoman for JK Rowling said: "We are pleased to confirm that she will indeed be attending the festival."
The writer's only other appearances this year will be at the Southbank Centre in London on September 27 and The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival on October 6.
Rowling has sold 450 million copies of her Harry Potter books worldwide. They have been translated into 74 languages and made into eight blockbuster movies.
However, The Casual Vacancy, due to be published on September 27, is a move away from the world of children's literature.
This story takes place in the fictional English town of Pagford and deals with the aftermath of the sudden death of local councillor Barry Fairbrother. Chaos follows as residents fight over the now vacant seat on the parish council in "an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations".
Tickets for the Lennoxlove Book Festival will be available through the box office from September 13.
However, if you sign up to be a "friend of the festival" – which costs £12 – you will have the option to buy tickets from Tuesday.
Those wishing to see JK Rowling must pay an additional £13 or £11 for concessions.
The full programme for the festival will be announced next Thursday on the website at www. lennoxlovebookfestival.com.
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