Wigtown Book Festival announces end to Baillie Gifford partnership after 14 years

The Wigtown Book Festival in Scotland is the latest literary event to announce a parting of ways with the asset management company Baillie Gifford. 

A statement circulated by the Wigtown Festival company board reads: “It is with regret that we announce that the partnership between Wigtown Book Festival and Baillie Gifford is to end.

“We wish to offer huge thanks for their stalwart support over 14 years, which has allowed us to sustain and grow the festival and has provided economic, cultural and social benefits across our community.” 

The festival in Dumfries and Galloway is the third event in 24 hours to announce an end to sponsorship from the asset management company, following on from the Cheltenham Literary Festival and Borders Books Festival. Meanwhile Edinburgh International Books Festival and Hay Festival announced an end to the sponsorship last week. 

A number of authors and speakers had pulled out ahead of events, amidst discussions of boycotts, with the collective Fossil Free Books calling on Baillie Gifford to divest from companies involved in Israel and the fossil fuel industry.

The Wigtown Festival runs from 27th September to 6th October 2024 but there are also regular associated events throughout the year. It was founded 25 years ago.