A MUCH-ANTICIPATED festival will make a return to its Peeblesshire home this summer.

Beyond Borders returns to Traquair House on August 24-25 for a week of books, debates, poetry readings, walks and music.

The festival has something for everyone, whether that is an interest in politics, history, novels or art.

It is set to welcome headliners all with interesting and engaging events.

Mark Muller Stuart, founder of Beyond Borders, said: “We invite everyone to come to Traquair and enjoy another remarkable line-up of inspiring people for a relaxed but thought-provoking weekend of enjoyment.”

Catherine Maxwell Stuart, 21st Lady of Traquair added: “There is such a wide and diverse programme of things to do and see that everyone will find something to enjoy.

“The magical grounds of Traquair are the perfect setting where you can also find wonderful local food, our rewilding the mind initiative, and other stalls to explore.”

Star of the stage and screen, Miriam Margolyes will be in conversation with Jim Naughtie about her life and her new one-woman show ‘Dickens Women’.

History buffs can enjoy a talk from Ben Cowell OBE on his book ‘The British Country House Revival’ with Geoffrey Baskerville and Wesley Clark revealing how she found a letter about an enslaved boy’s life in the Traquair archives.

William Dalrymple will also give a lecture on his book ‘The Golden Road’ which explores how ancient India transformed the world.

Beyond Borders is set to welcome two former First Ministers to share their insight into politics in Scotland and further afield.

Humza Yousaf will talk to Allan Little about his time as leader of the SNP at Holyrood and how the ongoing conflict in Gaza has impacted him.

Fellow former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will quiz UN envoys, Staffan de Mistura and Steffanie William, about the future of the UN with a Peebles High School student.

And looking at the UK and across the Atlantic, Jonathan Powell and Steve Richards will discuss this month’s general election and the upcoming US elections.

Jen Stout and Magnus Linklater will talk about life under fire in Ukraine – as detailed in Stout’s book ‘A Night Train to Odessa’.

Nearly 30 years on, Nedžad Avdić will share how he escaped a death pit during the Srebrenica genocide so he could give evidence to the ICC (international criminal court).

Environmentalists can listen to journalist Sarah Helms in conversation with Andrew Gilmour on his book on climate and conflict.

For poetry and music lovers, Oscar Guardiola-Riveria and Azad Ashim Sharma will read poetry with sonic accompaniment from Mun Sing.

Other musical performances will come from Barbara Dickson, Ayane Kondo, Gnawa Trance Fusion, and Acolyte.

There will also be an exhibition celebrating Richard Demarco’s relationship to Traquair, as well as ‘When Hugh Met Caroline’, detailing how Borders artist Caroline McNairn’s relationship with Hugh Collins.

Walks around the grounds with storytelling, music and a moth release also form part of the weekend festival.

The full Beyond Borders programme and tickets can be found at: bbintfest.com