Book worm: ‘Your characters probably did not read the Guardian, and very likely believed in hellfire, beating children and hanging malefactors.’

With the Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival less than a fortnight away, preparations in Melrose are in full swing. For the special Melrose Mastermind event, host Sally Magnusson will be bringing along the original Mastermind chair, which was presented to her father, Magnus Magnusson, at the end of his 25-year stint as host of the popular BBC quiz show.

Among those quaking on its leather upholstery will be Kathy Lette (specialist subject: sex), John Sessions (specialist subject: Sherlock Holmes) and Kirsty Wark and Rory Bremner, who have still to work out what they want to be quizzed on. The event is already sold out, but all the participants are doing other ones for which tickets are still available.