IT’S already a best seller. And this year’s Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival looks set to cement its place on the top shelf of literary events.

An eclectic mix of politicians, actors, authors, musicians, adventurers, chefs and even a delightful ventriloquist has yet again been assembled to bring insight, intrigue and inspiration to Melrose.

Last Thursday’s launch brought its fair share of problems for the organisers - who exactly are the headliners?

A former Prime Minister in the shape of Gordon Brown perhaps? Or the absolutely fabulous Jennifer Saunders? What about one of Britain’s biggest selling authors, Lynda La Plante?

Some would go for celebrated war correspondent Kate Adie, others would say former Royal Marine and Liberal leader Paddy Ashdown, while the wanderlust few amongst them will champion Steve Backshall.

Unlike many of their guests who will take to the various stages between June 12 and 15, the organisers are remaining on the fence - and announcing them all together.

Festival director Alistair Moffat said: “This year’s festival programme is a passport to another country - the land of imagination, creativity, ideas and fun. “Inside the walls of Harmony Garden, some great writers, communicators and entertainers will appear on stage to delight the audiences for four magical days. “Over 11 years, each Borders Book Festival has been different, memorable and unique. Our eleventh will be no exception: as we look to the past and the future, it will be a festival to remember in this landmark year for Scotland.” Quite a few of the literary bunch who will almost certainly guarantee that the Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival will sell out yet again are indeed immersing themselves in what has gone before.

Commemorating the First World War centenary, Allan Little will talk about the spark that ignited it, Katie Adie recalls the women of the home front, and Dave Anderson, playing Sir Harry Lauder, will Keep Right On to the End of the Road!

Going even further back is a special celebration to mark the anniversary of Waverley’s publication.

The bicentenary of one of Sir Walter Scott’s greatest novels, which was penned just up the road at Abbotsford, will be marked with a dramatized adaptation written specially for the festival by Alan Caig Wilson, and it will star Phyllida Law, John Sessions and David Robb.

Many of the speakers will also look to the future - and none more so than famed Raith Rovers supporter Gordon Brown.

The former Chancellor and Prime Minister will talk about his vision of Scottishness, Britishness, and the unique nature of the Union ahead of a passionate debate on Scottish independence. Included as part of Homecoming Scotland, each of the four days is expected to draw book lovers from all over the UK and beyond.

Caroline Packman, Director of Homecoming Scotland, said: “Once again the Borders Book Festival offers a stellar line-up of fantastic writers, speakers and entertainment for all the family. “The festival continues to grow from strength to strength and the calibre of talent it brings is testament to how popular and exciting an event it has become, not only for the Borders, but indeed Scotland’s event calendar. “I’m delighted that through Homecoming Scotland, we can support the Borders Book Festival and make it an important part of Scotland’s 2014 celebrations.” The festival opens with the magnificent line-up of Paddy Ashdown, Kate Adie, Jennifer Saunders and Lynda La Plante on Thursday, June 12.

The following day the winner of the fifth Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction will be announced, with a purse of £25,000 up for grabs.

Wildly popular television presenter Steve Backshall will be exploring the children’s tent as he entertains with his new fictional series. Broadcaster, Simon Mayo, will be regaling older children with his stories of 14-year-old science nut Itchingham Lofte. And other children’s writers to feature this year include Andy Stanton (Mr Gum), Simon Chapman, Lauren St John, Ross Collins, and Lari Don.

Following in the grand Borders Book Festival tradition of introducing the unexpected, festival patron Rory Bremner will be interviewing Nick Mason, best-known as the drummer of legendary rock bank Pink Floyd. Kirsty Wark will talk about her freshly published first novel, and foodies will love food critic Jay Rayner, Incredible Spice Men Cyrus Todiwala and Tony Singh, and cook Carina Contini who will be talking about their new books.

Wildlife cameraman Doug Allan, who has worked on Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet, will fascinate with his tales of filming in the world’s polar regions. And to round off what can only be described as a page-turner of a weekend is the wonderful Nina Conti, daughter of Tom, whose ventriloquist show is something to behold. Did you see her lips move?

But this celebration of everything good about our culture wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of sponsors. And headlining that list is undoubtedly investment company Brewin Dolphin.

Divisional Director Jonathan Tweedie added: “Brewin Dolphin is delighted to continue its support of the Borders Book Festival, one of the highlights of the annual cultural calendar.

“There is another great line-up of events on offer in Harmony Garden this June, with a programme designed to appeal to all tastes and interests. We are looking forward to being entertained and inspired once again.” Other leading backers of the festival include The Times, LoveReading, Jura Whisky, Scottish Borders Council, Creative Scotland, and the Scottish Borders Brewery. For a full programme and ticket information, log on to the following website: www.bordersbookfestival.org