Latest Events in Kilmacolm(October Updated)

Date: Fri 20th June Time: 7pm Location: Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm Welcome to The Ginger Cat Presents an Evening with Kate Foster ! Join us for an enthralling night when author Kate Foster will be discussing her new book, The Mourning Necklace with radio presenter, Gina McKie. Inspired by an infamous real-life case, The Mourning Necklace is the unforgettable new feminist historical novel from the Women's Prize-longlisted author of The Maiden. They said I would swing for the crime and I did . .. I wear the rope-mark like a mourning necklace. 1724. In a tavern just outside Edinburgh, Maggie Dickson’s family drown their sorrows, mourning her death yet relieved she is gone. Shame haunts them. Hanged for the murder of her newborn child, passers-by avert their eyes from her cheap coffin on its rickety cart. But as her family pray her soul rests in peace, a figure appears at the door. It is Maggie. She is alive. Bruised and dazed, Maggie has little time for her family’s questions. All that matters to her is answering this one: will they hang her twice? Kate's debut novel, The Maiden, (2023) is a feminist retelling of a 17th century Edinburgh murder. It won Bloody Scotland’s Crime Debut of the Year 2024 and was Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Her second novel, The King’s Witches (2024) explores the origins of witch mania in 16th century Scotland. The Mourning Necklace is her third novel. Praise for Kate Foster 'Kate Foster can pluck a dark story from the depths of history and bring it to vivid life before your eyes . . . A strong contender for my book of the year' – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal Kate's books will be available to purchase and have signed on the night. A perfect evening for book lovers, we would love to see you there! Chair TBC Information Source: The Ginger Cat Bookshop | eventbrite

Gill Smart, Reserves Manager South West Scotland for the Scottish Wildlife Trust will be leading this guided walk. The reserve has areas of marshland, woodland and wet heath with open water and sheltered pools. It is a natural haven for songbirds, waterfowl, amphibians and insects particularly dragonflies and damselflies. Meet at the entrance to the reserve (grid ref. NS363698), located to the west of the reserve. If arriving by car; park in the centre of Kilmacolm, (eg Lochwinnoch Road car park) cross the Bridge of Weir Road, then turn right into Gillburn Road, then right again into Gowkhouse Road and follow the lane to the top. The reserve can be accessed by following the public footpath sign. There are surfaced paths and a boardwalk on the reserve. To find out more, and for any booking queries, please contact Mike Turner mgturner@gmail.com. Suggested donation: £2 per person (you can donate when you book or in person on the day). All donations help us to continue to bring an interesting and varied selection of events to our audience as well as supporting local wildlife causes. Please donate if you can. Bookable face-to-face events may be subject to change at short notice, which will be communicated to attendees via email by the organiser. Please check your email in advance of attending events. Note that booking generally ends two hours prior to the event start time. If you wish to book to attend after registration has ended, and there are places still available, please contact the organiser direct using the details above. Booking essential. Children 8 years are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Bring binoculars if you have them. No dogs allowed except assistance dogs. Wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Accessible by public transport Image: Common Blue Damselfly © Les Binns To find out how we may use your data, please read our Privacy Notice. Information Source: Glasgow Group | eventbrite

An Evening with Nicola Sturgeon – In Conversation with Sally Magnusson at the Gryffe Valley Book Festival Friday 5th Sep, 7PM Kilmacolm Primary School Join former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for a candid evening at the Gryffe Valley Book Festival as she discusses her compelling memoir, Frankly, in conversation with acclaimed broadcaster and author Sally Magnusson. In Frankly, Nicola Sturgeon reflects on her political life, leadership, and personal journey. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear her speak about the pivotal moments of her career, the challenges of public life, and the lessons learned along the way. Sturgeon recounts her journey from working-class Ayrshire to the steps of Bute House. Revealing the person behind the politician, she explores the schism between her private and public personas: one painfully shy and self-critical, the other a consummate public performer. And yet, she pulls no punches, candidly recounting her interactions with figures including Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, and Alex Salmond – her mentor and, ultimately, her staunch adversary. Full of the verve and wit that made Sturgeon one of the most high-profile politicians in the UK, this is a unique blend of personal insight and captivating vignettes. Infused throughout with a love of Scotland and its people, it discusses Sturgeon’s mistakes, her battles, and her triumphs with candid honesty. Frankly is the compelling story of no ordinary politician. The evening will include an audience Q&A, giving attendees the chance to ask questions directly, followed by a book signing with Nicola Sturgeon and Sally Magnusson whose books will be available on the night. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with one of Scotland’s most influential and controversial political figures. Information Source: Ginger Cat Events | eventbrite

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with John Davidson, the man behind the powerful memoir I Swear , in discussion with co-author Abbie Ross at the Gryffe Valley Book Festival. St Columba's Senior School , Lyle Road Entrance, Kilmacolm Sun 7th Sep - 7PM This event has kindly been sponsored by St Columba's School At this special Gryffe Valley Book Festival event, John will share the extraordinary true story that inspired his book - and the upcoming film set for release in October. In a raw and honest conversation, John and Abbie will explore the life experiences that shaped I Swear , from childhood adversity to personal resilience, shedding light on the challenges, truths, and moments of hope that define his journey. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a voice that refuses to be silenced - offering insight, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of a story that’s already touching hearts across the UK. The event will include an audience Q&A, offering you the chance to engage directly with John and Abbie. I Swear will be available to purchase following the event, when you'll have the opportunity to meet both speakers and get your copy signed. Born in the 1970s on the Scottish Borders, John’s was ten when his tics first arrived, as if from nowhere. Previously a happy, popular, football-mad boy he was labelled disruptive, rude, and even mad. As his condition progressed, from blinks and jerks to involuntary rude and obscene shouting, John was bullied, rejected - alienated from his family and a society that had no idea what to make of him. Hospitalized and drugged for months, it was only an extraordinary and transformative friendship, and John’s dogged optimism, that turned his life around, making I Swear an inspirational story of triumph over adversity. If you have any mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so we can ensure the venue accommodates your needs. Information Source: Ginger Cat Events | eventbrite

Join award-winning comedian, broadcaster, and author Robin Ince at the Gryffe Valley Book Festival as he discusses his latest book, Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal . This event has kindly been sponsored by St Columba's School St Columba's Sr School (Lyle Road entrance) Tues 9th Sep: 7pm Robin Ince is best known as the co-host of BBC Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage alongside Professor Brian Cox, blending science and comedy to brilliant effect. A familiar voice on the airwaves and a much-loved figure on the UK comedy circuit, Robin has built a career exploring the curious, the eccentric, and the wonderfully human. He is also a Mastermind winner! What if being a bit weird is actually entirely normal? What if sharing our internal struggles wasn’t a sign of weakness, but strength? For over thirty years, award-winning broadcaster and comedian Robin Ince has entertained thousands in person and on air. But underneath the surface, a whirlwind was at play – a struggle with sadness, concentration, self-doubt and near-constant anxiety. But then he discovered he had all the hallmarks of ADHD and his stumbling blocks became stepping stones. In Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal, Robin uses his own experiences to explore the neurodivergent experience and to ask what the point of 'being normal' really is. Packed with personal insights, intimate anecdotes and interviews with psychologists, neuroscientists and many neurodivergent people he has met along the way, this is a quirky and witty dive into the world of human behaviour. In this event, Robin brings his trademark energy and insight to a discussion of Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal - a witty, thoughtful look at how we all navigate life’s oddities, and why being a little bit weird might just be our greatest strength. There will be an audience Q&A, followed by a chance to purchase books and meet Robin during a post-event signing. Expect laughs, big ideas, and a celebration of the joy in the unexpected. Don’t miss it! If you have any mobility requirements, please let us know in advance and we can ensure the venue accommodates your needs. Information Source: Ginger Cat Events | eventbrite

An Evening with The Reverend Richard Coles – In Conversation with Colin McCredie at the Gryffe Valley Book Festival This event is kindly sponsored by Hames Estates Friday 12th Sep, 7PM Kilmacolm Primary School Beloved broadcaster, writer, and former pop star, The Reverend Richard Coles joins us at the Gryffe Valley Book Festival for an evening of wit, mystery, and insight as he discusses his latest novel, A Death on Location . He’ll be joined in conversation by Scottish actor Colin McCredie for what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining and engaging event. A Death on Location is the latest instalment in Richard’s bestselling Canon Clement mystery series, blending clever plotting, warm humour, and keen observations of English village life. Hear Richard talk about his writing process, life in the public eye, and how he brings his colourful characters - and murder mysteries - to life on the page. The evening will include an audience Q&A, a chance to purchase books, and an opportunity to meet Richard during a post-event signing. It's spring 1990, and in Champton the whole village is aflutter as a glamorous Hollywood movie has taken over Lord de Floures' Champton House as its set location. As the actors and extras hired from the village don their farthingales, gowns and crowns for a masque set in the 1600s, a murder interrupts filming on set - and it's an ingenious one . . . Can Daniel solve the mystery with help from his sidekick, Detective Sergeant Neil Vanloo - even when things are so sticky between them? Don’t miss this delightful evening with one of the UK’s most charming and multifaceted storytellers. Information Source: Ginger Cat Events | eventbrite

Join Stephen McGinty as he discusses his book One Morning in March: Dunblane and the Shooting that Changed Britain with Nicola Sturgeon This year is the 30th anniversary of the crime that shocked Britain – and spurred the campaign to ban handguns. Join Stephen McGinty as he discusses One Morning in March: Dunblane and the Shooting that Changed Britain with former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday 14th May at St Columba's Sr School, Kilmacolm , followed by an audience Q&A. Stephen McGinty is an author, journalist and documentary producer. His previous books include This Turbulent Priest, Churchill's Cigar, Fire in the Night: The Piper Alpha Disaster, Camp Z and The Dive. As a documentary producer, he developed Dunblane: Our Story, the BAFTA winning documentary about the shooting, released in 2016 for the 20th anniversary. He currently writes for The Sunday Times. On 13 March 1996 a man walked into Dunblane Primary School, armed with four legally owned handguns, and in less than four minutes fired 105 bullets, killing 16 children and their Primary One teacher. The gunman was notorious among local parents, politicians and police: for years he ran a network of popular boys’ clubs and was the subject of multiple complaints and investigations, but, despite considerable evidence of troubling behaviour, he was never charged. His crime first shocked the world then changed the nation – but only after an extraordinary political battle. Based on original archival research, unseen royal correspondence, and exclusive interviews with parents, politicians and police, One Morning in March tells – for the first time – of the lead-up to that day but also the incredible and powerful true story of how, in their darkest hour, a band of parents used their grief as fuel in a fight with John Major’s Conservative government to forever ban handguns in Britain. It is a story of how Princess Diana, forbidden to comfort the parents in the immediate aftermath, urged their campaign on; of how Andy Murray, a pupil at the school, ultimately banished the shadow over his hometown by winning Wimbledon; and of how the grieving parents secured the tightest gun laws in the world. One Morning in March will be available to purchase and have signed by Stephen on the night. Information Source: Ginger Cat Events | eventbrite

Join bestselling author Val McDermid in conversation with actor Colin McCredie as they discuss Silent Bones, a Karen Pirie thriller! An Evening with Val McDermid in Conversation with Colin McCredie Kilmacolm Primary School Tues 2nd June, 2026 at 7PM . The Ginger Cat presents an evening with bestselling crime writer Val McDermid in conversation with actor Colin McCredie as they discuss the paperback release of Silent Bones , a Karen Pirie thriller. Hear about where Val McDermid finds the inspiration for her characters, learn about her writing process and find out what she thinks of the Karen Pirie TV adaptation.. Following the interview there will be an audience Q&A and book signing. Val's books will be available to purchase and have signed on the night. Silent Bones - When torrential rain causes a landslide on a motorway in Scotland, it reveals a crime scene: someone hid a body in the tarmac eleven years before. Journalist Sam Nimmo had been the prime suspect in the murder of his fiancée when he disappeared, and now DCI Karen Pirie and her Historic Cases Unit must find out who buried him, and why. Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, new evidence reopens a closed case and the accidental death of a hotel manager starts to look like murder. But what did Tom Jamieson's book club have to do with his demise - and what will they do to keep their secrets? Karen and her team begin to untangle a web of lies, one that connects their murder cases with Scotland's rich and powerful. They will be tested to their limits - and possibly beyond . . Don’t miss out on this unique in-person event! Information Source: Ginger Cat Events | eventbrite

Information Source: Ginger Cat Events | eventbrite