Earlier this month Alexander joined a very special group of readers for a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea at Bertie’s favourite deli, Valvona & Crolla. The group of readers had helped to crowdfund the relocation of The Edinburgh Bookshop, one of Alexander’s favourite independent Edinburgh book shops. Alexander, together with bookshop owner Marie Moser, thanked the readers […]

Friends: This picture was taken by my daughter, Lucy, and she has now put it on a birthday card. It shows me with the antenna for the radio I have at our house in the Highlands of Scotland. I fire it up from time to time (I am a licensed radio operator, as it happens!) […]

The newly knighted creator of The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series marked the end of a joyous week of celebrations by presenting a poem to King Charles at a reception at Edinburgh Castle yesterday, celebrating the 900th anniversary of Scotland’s capital city. The poem appears in The Times online today and in paper. The […]

 Alexander is formally Knighted in Edinburgh Sir Alexander McCall Smith has been Knighted by King Charles III in the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The investiture ceremony took place today, Tuesday 2 July 2024, and forms a central part of Royal Week, during which the Monarch spends some days visiting various […]

We have been out on the road with Alexander McCall Smith, meeting readers in the north of England. We were celebrating publication of The Perfect Passion Company and offering a sneak preview of the forthcoming book in the Isabel Dalhousie series, The Conditions of Unconditional Love, as well (of course) as catching up with old […]

Photo journalist and documentary maker, Mats Ögren Wanger is travelling with Alexander on his visit back to Botswana, country of the author’s heart. He has sent back some stunning photographs from their time in the Bush. They capture the treasures of Botswana, home to Precious Ramotswe and The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. More photographs will […]

A Marimba band from the SOS Children’s Village entertained Alexander when he arrived. This short clip gives you a real flavour of Botswana and the fun he is having on this adventure. Video created by Mats Ögren Wanger, photo-journalist and documentary maker accompanying Alexander on his trip back to Botswana. ‘My wife and I first […]

‘Sandy’ revisits home of Precious Ramotswe Alexander McCall Smith is back in Botswana for the first time since the pandemic halted his annual visits. He is delighted to be back. Book 25 in the multi-million copy bestselling and perennially adored No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series is on its way Every year, Alexander (or Sandy) […]

It is with great delight that we relay the information that Alexander McCall Smith, author and academic, has been honoured as Knight Bachelor in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours list, 2024. The acclaimed Scottish writer is also a librettist, a poet, and a great thinker and the award recognises his service to literature, […]

2023 has been another busy and exciting year for Alexander and his team. It has seen the publication of no fewer than five new hardback books, a big birthday, over 25 appearances at book festivals and bookshop events around the world, a lifetime achievement award, and not just one, but two audiences with His Royal […]

In March 2024 I shall be back in Botswana for a visit, long-delayed as a result of Covid travel restrictions. I am very much looking forward to being back in that remarkable, heart-beguiling country, the setting for The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels. My programme includes some time in Gaborone, where I hope to […]