5 Questions with Paul Tarling, RSPB

Tell us about your connection to Wigtown and the Book Festival

I am the warden for the RSPB’s Crook of Baldoon Nature Reserve just across the Bladnoch from Wigtown Harbour. This, along with our office in the back of the Machars Initiative Centre and our involvement with the Wigtown Bay Visitor Centre, makes us feel part of the town. The RSPB likes to be involved with the local community and supporting events such as the Book Festival is a pleasure. On a personal note, Wigtown is the friendliest place I have had the privilege to work in.  

Sum up your festival experience in 5 words

Inspiration through the written word  

What's your favourite festival memory? 

At 2013’s festival, the outstanding memory for me was Clifton Bain’s talk on the Ancient Pinewoods of Scotland.

Who would be your dream author to appear at the Festival?

Ian Newton, ornithologist.

Give our visitors one recommendation or top tip for Wigtown, the Festival or D&G

My one tip is do not think about just coming to the book festival -  just come and enjoy, and make a point of visiting the Kist in between events.