The Big Scottish Book Club has been recommissioned by BBC Scotland for a fourth series. The IWC (a Banijay UK company) series will return later this year for a further eight episodes, with some exciting changes to the format.

Writer and host, Damian Barr, will be joined by three guests together in the studio, each with a great story to tell and stories to share. Guests will range from authors with a new fiction, non-fiction book or memoir to well-known book lovers talking about the books that changed their life and the writers they are most passionate about.

In addition to studio guests, The Big Scottish Book Club will head out and about to speak to book lovers across Scotland. Readers will be invited to give a book review of a classic title, and each week, the show visits a different village or town and challenges three residents to tell viewers in 45 seconds about their bucket-list book on a new theme each week.

Pauline Law, Executive Producer for The Big Scottish Book Club, said:

“We’re really looking forward to bringing The Big Scottish Book Club back. It’s a wonderful series to make and while some elements might look slightly different, the series remains a celebration of literature, and our love for books remains very much at the heart of the series.“

Damian Barr said:

“2022 is Scotland’s year of stories and I am thrilled that The Big Scottish Book Club will return for a fourth series among the celebrations. We are bringing the audience at home right into the heart of the show by making it even cosier and more conversational. This next chapter is exciting and I hope it brings even more viewers and readers to the show. I love hearing from folk who have picked up new books because of the show or got back in to reading again so thanks for your feedback and keep in touch. Happy reading.”

Gareth Hydes, Commissioning Editor at BBC Scotland, said:

“We are delighted to have a fourth series later this year, complete with a brand new look. Viewers love The Big Scottish Book Club and Damian for the warmth, intelligence but also accessibility of the series and that very much remains the core of the show.”

The Big Scottish Book Club (8×45’) is an IWC production for BBC Scotland. It was commissioned by Gareth Hydes, Commissioning Editor Radio, Music and Events. It will be executive produced by Pauline Law for IWC and will broadcast later this year.