Festival company begins new chapter

WIGTOWN’S festival company enters a new chapter with the appointment of CEO, Isla Rosser-Owen. Isla spent three years as Wigtown Book Festival’s cultural producer from 2018. In 2022 she moved to Bradford Literature Festival where she was senior creative producer, delivering large- and small-scale events. After studying Arabic at university, she began her career as an editor in the publishing industry, specialising in Middle East studies. She then moved to Islay where she began volunteering for the island’s book festival and went on to become its director for six years. Isla – who takes up her new post in August just as the organisation moves into a new head quarters – said: “There is something magical about rural Scottish book festivals and over the years Wigtown has elevated that to a whole new level. “It has an offbeat brilliance and charm that audiences can lose themselves in. For me, returning to Wigtown feels like stepping back into a creative adventure and I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in this wonderfully unique place tucked away in south-west Scotland. “It’s an exciting time to be rejoining Wigtown Festival Company as it moves into its new home on South Main Street — the start of an inspiring new chapter – and I’m so looking forward to the organisation embracing its huge potential over the next few years. “We have some ambitious plans ahead and I can’t wait to get stuck in and help shape what comes next.” Meanwhile Anne Barclay, Wigtown Festival Company’s (WFC) operations director, will take on a new and broader role as communities director as the company seeks to maximise support for the people and economy in and around Wigtown. She commented: “Wigtown was declared Scotland’s National Book Town to drive economic regeneration, and the book festival was its flagship event. “My new role will build on all that’s been achieved, enabling me to support the wider regeneration and sustainability of Wigtown – something that’s just as important now as it was when it all started in 1998.” Looking ahead Cathy Agnew, Chair of the WFC added: “This is a tremendously important moment for Wigtown, and for the festival. “We are delighted to be welcoming Isla back to the town to take up the role of CEO and also to have Anne taking on a new and expanded role to help us do more to support the regeneration of the community and economy through literature, events, business and cultural tourism. “Both Isla and Anne have a deep love of the town, the festival and the work of the festival company – and they also have the dedication and experience that will help us develop in new and exciting ways in the years ahead.”