Edinburgh book festival kicks off

The 2014 Edinburgh International Book Festival opened on Saturday under the theme "Let's Talk".

Over 900 internationally renowned writers and thinkers from 47 countries and regions came to Charlotte Square Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh to discuss topics such as the Middle East, two world wars, the Commonwealth, economic migration, society, identity and the future of Scotland.

"The Book Festival provides a crucial forum for dialogue, where we can listen to and learn from one another, particularly in this year of momentous events in Scotland," says Nick Barley, director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.