FORMER Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown will be in Galashiels on Saturday in an event organised by the Borders Book Festival.

It was planned before the Fife MP announced his party’s timetable – since endorsed by the Conservatives and Lib Dems – for more powers to be devolved to Scotland if a “no” vote is delivered in the September 18 Independence referendum.

Although he will doubtless be asked about the timing of that announcement, the day after a YouGov opinion poll indicated the “yes” campaign was in the lead and after many postal votes had been cast, he will also talk about his new book My Scotland, Our Britain.

The publicity issued by the festival, which counts Scottish Borders Council among its sponsors, says Mr Brown will “make a positive case for a new Scotland, a new union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a reinvigorated Scottish Parliament”.

After an hour-long session, during which he will take questions from the floor, he will be available to sign copies of his book.

David Parker, leader of SBC and a pro-Independence campaigner, said he was “perfectly relaxed” about the festival, whose founder and director Alistair Moffat is a personal friend of Mr Brown, organising the visit.

“The Borders Book Festival often has events throughout the year which are topical in nature,” said Councillor Parker. “I believe the festival is neutral, as was demonstrated with the range of referendum sessions it put on this summer.” Gordon Brown will be in the Volunteer Hall on Saturday from 6.30pm. Although admission is free, it will by ticket only. Readers wishing to acquire a ticket should register at gordonbrownevent@gmail.com with your name, address and the number of tickets you require.