Getting to Grips with Trauma, the first Scottish Trauma Book Festival, held in September 2026, has been described as a “stunning success” — but its impact appears to have extended well beyond a day of authors, books and conversations.
Bringing together authors, chairs, publishers, volunteers, reviewers, sponsors, performers and friends, the festival created a space to explore trauma, its impact and the possibilities for change.
Two new videos capture something of the event and the conversations it generated. A sense of the enthusiasm offers a flavour of the atmosphere and energy of the day, while the interviews in full provides an opportunity to hear more of the discussions and perspectives shared at the festival.
A reflection on the festival by Lena Carter also highlights the significance of the event and its contribution to conversations around trauma in Scotland.
Perhaps most importantly, the festival has been experienced as more than a collection of authors discussing their work. There has been a strong sense of a collective call to action — to foster relational change within Scottish culture.
That ambition was central to the festival from the outset, and the response suggests that the conversations generated on the day have continued beyond the event itself.
The organisers have also indicated that the first festival has provided valuable lessons. With those experiences now informing early conversations about a possible event in 2027, there is already a sense that this may be the beginning of something rather than a one-off gathering.
For those interested in trauma, relationships, culture and the potential for meaningful change, the festival’s recordings offer an opportunity to revisit some of the conversations and enthusiasm generated during the day.
Watch, listen and stay tuned for news of the Getting to Grips with Trauma Book Festival in 2027.
