The name’s Bond … James Bond.

Well actually it’s Sean Connery, but to me he’ll always be the real James Bond. I did have a laugh with the person chairing my event at the Edinburgh Festival earlier in the week that it was very kind of her to tip off the paparazzi that I’d be there at the Festival as I walked past the eager rows of photographers waiting just outside the Authors’ Yurt (I think that must be Scottish for tent). It transpired that they were all looking to snap the famous Scot on his 78th birthday. I must say that he looked very sprightly and chipper for his age.

My first experience at the Edinburgh Festival was a very positive one. I had two talks to give - one to an intimate little crowd in Oxgangs Library and the second in the RBS Corner Theatre to a full capacity crowd of about 170. Both seemed to go well and I’d like to think that I might be invited back again one day. I enjoyed myself and the young people all seemed to have fun too.

There were many other authors at the event, as one would expect. I was delighted to meet the current Children’s Laureate in the yurt as well. Michael Rosen kindly posed for this picture. I’m sure he has a rubber face … and those eyes! How does he do that?