Join us at Conversations on the Coast
At Conversations on the Coast, we celebrate the rich literary heritage of Scotland. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary fiction, historical novels, crime, or non-fiction, our festival has something for every book lover. Join us as we delve into the minds of talented authors, exploring their latest publications and the stories behind their writing.
Hosted in the stunning seaside town of Elie and Earlsferry, this festival invites you to indulge in the natural beauty of the Scottish coastline while you indulge your literary appetite. Perhaps, while you’re here, you can also enjoy some local cuisine or take a walk along the Seaside Award-Winning beach!

WHAT'S ON
.png)
Behind Bars And In Front of Them: My Life With Inspector Rebus
In his latest John Rebus novel, Sir Ian Rankin takes us on a thrilling locked-cell mystery. And tonight you can witness as he talks about his life with one of the most enduring characters of crime fiction.

The Battle and Surgical Aspects of the Waterloo Campaign
Join Michael Crumplin as he dissects the surgical aspects of the Waterloo campaign and, in his usual style, raises awareness of the human cost of war.

Romance and Knitting in the Scottish Isles
Jenny Colgan is an international bestselling author of feel-good fiction who tackles genuine issues which affect Scottish rural communities. Join Jenny, famed for the warmth and humour of her writing, as she talks about a beautifully Scottish story of courage, change, and community.

The Horizontal Oak: A Life in Nature
Polly Pullar is Scotland’s much-loved wildlife writer and she captivates readers with stories grounded in the natural world. Join us and discover how the restorative power of nature can help you overcome the biggest challenges in your life.
NEWS
The Cliff House: Chris Brookmyre to take audience inside his locked-room mystery at Fife festival
Chris Brookmyre is a returning author to this year’s Conversations on the Coast. Read his interview in The Courier about his latest novel The Cliff House and his thoughts on being part of the festival.

Another year comes to a close…
Our 2023 Conversations on the Coast festival concluded this year with Botany and Scandal in Enlightenment Edinburgh, featuring author Sara Sheridan. At this event Sara delved into the Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year 2022, The Fair Botanists.

First year of the Conversations on the Coast festival hailed a success
In its inaugural year Conversations on the Coast has welcomed more than 300 visitors to the village of Elie and Earlsferry. As the first in what is hoped to be many annual literature festivals set in the East Neuk, organisers are celebrating the success of its four events, which were hosted over November.
Visit the beautiful East Neuk of Fife
Our festival is set in the beautiful village of Elie and Earlsferry in the East Neuk of Fife. Locals know Elie and Earlsferry as the perfect seaside destination with its long golden beaches and curved bay, and it’s a popular tourist destination thanks to its beauty and history. It’s the ideal setting for the East Neuk’s inaugural literary festival, which brings Scottish authors and lovers of literature together to spark conversations.

“The East Neuk has so much to offer.”
The Sunday Post

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Conversations on the Coast is our name for the East Neuk Literary Festival and we’re a registered Scottish charity. We’re here because we want to support Scottish authors and anyone who believes that the written word is something indelibly human that should be protected and treasured.
Now entering its third year, the festival is hosted every November in the town of Elie and Earlsferry, and offers a series of author-hosted events. The authors who join us represent a wide range of genres, from crime to historical fiction. You can see previous years' events on our Authors page.
The festival aims to bring Scottish authors to the Eats Neuk and also to attract visitors to the local community to enjoy what this coastline has to offer.