Book Week Scotland is launching its first virtual festival this year, with the First Minister and crime writer Val McDermid among those taking part.

The festival will feature free digital events and will run alongside the activities and events taking place around the country between November 27 and December 3.

The Virtual Festival will begin with Crime Writers Play Cluedo, where bestselling authors Ms McDermid, Stuart MacBride and Doug Johnstone will discuss their own plots and favourite whodunits.

The following night, November 28, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will take part in a live Twitter Q&A about her love of reading.

Members of the public can submit their questions via Book Week Scotland's @BookWeekScot Twitter account.

Other events include a cook-along with The Edinburgh Food Studio as chef and co-owner Ben Reade creates a three-course meal inspired by Scottish literature.

Marc Lambert, chief executive of Scottish Book Trust, said: "We're delighted to add a digital strand to this year's Book Week Scotland, and we have a fantastic line-up of authors and well-known personalities.

"Fitting perfectly with this year's theme of Nourish, there is a feast of virtual events that are sure to cater to any palate."

Other events include a Poetry Slam, programmed by Edinburgh City of Literature, and a Facebook Live broadcast with author Bernard MacLaverty from Kelvin Hall in Glasgow.

Finally, on December 3, festival organisers will encourage readers to switch off the internet and simply enjoy reading a good book.

Book Week Scotland is now in its sixth year and is run by national charity the Scottish Book Trust.