RICHARD Holloway, the chairman of the Scottish Arts Council, and former head of the Episcopalian Church in Scotland, is to temporarily take the helm at this year's Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Following talks with Culture Minister Mike Russell, Mr Holloway will take up an additional role as temporary guest director of the world's biggest book festival, while current director Catherine Lockerbie recovers from illness
"Richard will be w
orking on a temporary, supportive, basis while Catherine is absent," a spokeswoman for the festival said yesterday.
Asked if Ms Lockerbie could be expected back before the festival opens in August, she confirmed that no return date had yet been set for her return from medical leave. "Obviously, we hope Catherine gets better as soon as possible. But if not, Richard will continue in his role through August.
"At this stage, we haven't looked any further ahead. Our main priority is to secure the running of this year's festival."
Although Mr Holloway was not available for comment yesterday, it is understood that his role has not been formalised as a set number of hours per week, but that he will be available to offer advice when needed. He will also be curating a series of debates, details of which will be announced when the festival programme is launched in June.
Organisers emphasise that Ms Lockerbie's absence will not derail this year's event, as the bulk of the preparations is already in hand. "All the key invitations have already been sent out," said the spokeswoman. "It's just a case of finalising timings."
Susan Rice, chair of the book festival, said: "Catherine has worked extremely hard creating a wonderfully diverse programme for August. We are excited that Richard will be joining us while she is on medical leave."
Catherine Lockerbie was appointed director of the book festival in 2000 and the audience doubled in her first four years in charge. Her success in adding to the festival's international reputation is widely acknowledged.
In a statement, Ms Lockerbie welcomed Mr Holloway's appointment. "Richard Holloway is already closely involved with our work as an author, thinker, presenter, broadcaster and more. I greatly welcome a deepening of our association with such an inspirational and universally respected figure."
This year's book festival also faces a further challenge in finding a replacement for Kath Mainland, its highly regarded administrative director, who will leave in June to run the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Today is the closing date for applications for the job.
