Here I am shaking hands with my interviewer Dan Gray before heading into the Big Tent where we appeared in front of a thousand people. Dan is a Middlesborough supporting Yorkshireman relocated to Scotland where he writes with wit and eloquence about many things but principally football.

He and I agree that the best prose description of the joy of football is in JB Priestly’s novel ‘The Good Companions’.
As always, Edinburgh was a joy to do. I spent a full hour signing books after the event and that alone would make the visit worthwhile. Add in the excitement of the Fringe, the elegance of the architecture and the fabulous food on offer everywhere and this has to be the highlight of my book festival year so far.