Edinburgh International Book Festival gets under way
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Alan Cumming will showcase his book of anecdotes and photographs covering his time in Hollywood
Rebus author Ian Rankin and Hollywood actor Alan Cumming are among the well-known names set to take part in the 2016 Edinburgh International Book Festival, external (EIBF).
Scotland's makar Jackie Kay, comedian Alexei Sayle and Charlatans singer Tim Burgess are also in the line-up.
Organisers have said the festival would "explore the power of the mind to imagine a better world".
The EIBF runs from 13 August to 29 August.
More than 800 writers, poets, illustrators, politicians, journalists, historians, scientists, philosophers and playwrights from 55 countries are to take part in the 17-day event at Charlotte Square Gardens.
Director Nick Barley described it as a festival "bursting at the seams with big ideas".
Scotland's new makar, Jackie Kay, will be interviewed by First Minster Nicola Sturgeon at the book festival
The Good Wife actor Alan Cumming will preview his book You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams, a collection of anecdotes and photographs from the actor's time in Hollywood.
Comedian Sayle will read from his second memoir, Thatcher Stole My Trousers, in which he recounts his experiences with The Young Ones and The Comic Strip Presents…
Author Ian Rankin will discuss his love of vinyl records with Charlatans singer Tim Burgess
Tim Burgess will lift the lid on life with The Charlatans and their experiences at the heart of the 1990s 'Madchester' scene. He will be joined by crime writer and fellow music fan Ian Rankin to discuss their passion for vinyl.
In the non-fiction category, the festival will feature appearances by musicians Wilko Johnson and Brix Smith Start, as well as cyclists Chris Boardman and David Millar.
Politics and current affairs continue to play a key part in the programme.
Gordon Brown is set to address globalisation while the new makar (Scotland's national poet) Jackie Kay is to be interviewed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Poetry further makes an impression on the programme with appearances from the likes of UK poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Billy Bragg and Luke Wright.