This is the second time Jenny Niven has made it into the Hot 100, and she’s feeling rather sheepish. When we speak on the phone, she’s in the middle of a programming meeting with her Edinburgh International Book Festival colleagues. They have been gently teasing her about this accolade, a sign of the collegial office where she recently took the lead. ‘A book festival specifically suits me because they are so collaborative,’ she says. ‘They’re this brilliant showcase for Scottish writers and creatives generally. I’m delighted to be at the centre of that.’

Since Niven was named as the festival’s director in June, she’s been busy planning its next chapter. ‘The voices that are publishing their stories are more diverse than they’ve ever been: is our festival truly reflecting that?’ she says of the team’s new vision. ‘Also, readership: more people read than go to sporting events, believe it or not. How do we make sure all those people feel they can be part of the festival?’

Steering the Book Festival is a big job, so Niven is stepping down from producing Push The Boat Out, the literature festival she co-founded with Kevin Williamson. She will, however, stick around on its board, which accompanies its newly minted charity status. ‘From setting it up in 2021, which was the craziest time to set up anything, it’s amazing to see it now have its own life,’ she says.

She’s also wrapped up Dandelion, a nationwide project that demystified sustainability and food security through creative collaborations. Does she feel that Dandelion met its goal? ‘It definitely succeeded in its aim to bring communities together around music, food and ideas, and the rich work that went on at a community level,’ she says, specifically naming the Unexpected Gardens element as one highlight, which fed communities and food banks in places such as Alness and Stranraer. 

Looking at the projects Niven has worked on, there’s an admirable energy in her approach. What is it that drives her? ‘There’s something really satisfying about taking a concept from an initial idea to a packed audience clapping at something that’s really moved them,’ she says. ‘Reading is a solitary activity. Bringing audiences together is a collective act. I get so much motivation from that.’ 

Discover who else made the cut in the The List Hot 100 on our site or in our latest issue, available at all good stockists across Glasgow and Edinburgh.