Your Questions Answered

Spring is here, and we're looking ahead to A Write Highland Hoolie 2025!

We’re busy putting together a fabulous programme of events for you – look out for some exciting announcements coming soon! In the meantime, though, we thought we’d answer some of the questions we’re most often asked by people thinking of attending the Hoolie.

Hopefully these will cover any queries you have, but if not, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help.

Whether you’re a seasoned Hoolie regular or you’ve never been to the festival before, we hope to see you in Mallaig later this year!

Q. What is A Write Highland Hoolie?

A Write Highland Hoolie is Scotland’s friendliest book festival! It’s held every year over the second weekend in November in the West Highland Hotel, Mallaig.

Q. How can I attend?

Event tickets go on sale via our website over the summer. You can book for as many events as you like as our carefully thought-out programme means there’s no danger of sessions overlapping. Many of our guests like to book for every single event so they don’t miss out!

Q. Can I stay in the West Highland Hotel when I attend the Hoolie?

Yes! Our accommodation package at the West Highland Hotel includes a two-night stay, all meals and musical entertainment in the bar after dinner each evening. This can be booked by calling 01687 462210 once reservations open.

Q. Which should I book first – the hotel or my event tickets?

The hotel package goes on sale earlier than the event tickets and books up very quickly, so we recommend securing your accommodation first if you want to stay in the West Highland Hotel.

Q. Does the price of the hotel package include event tickets?

No. The Hoolie weekend rate at the West Highland Hotel includes bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-dinner music over the duration of the festival, but guests need to book and pay  separately for tickets for the events they wish to attend.

Q. Is other accommodation available in Mallaig?

Yes, there are several other accommodation and eating options available in and around Mallaig for festival attendees who are not staying at the West Highland Hotel.

Q. Which genres of books are featured?

Our programme is eclectic and varied, covering fiction, crime, memoir, nature, folklore, history and outdoor pursuits – and poetry, too.

Q. Is it all about books?

Books are at the heart of the Hoolie, but there’s so much more happening, too! Musical entertainment is provided by some of Scotland’s best-loved traditional musicians, and there are plenty of opportunities to socialise and make new friends. We also run a full programme of outreach events, taking our authors and musicians into local schools.

Q. Can I buy books at the events?

Yes. The Highland Bookshop of Fort William runs a well-stocked bookshop at the festival, where you can buy all of the books featured over the weekend and many others, too.

Q. How can I keep up to date with announcements?

Follow us on social media and keep an eye on our website for news as the programme is confirmed.